Voinovich won't support Dems on "Don't ask" vote

A key centrist Republican in the Senate said he will not support repealing the "Don't ask, don't tell" law unless Democratic leaders work out a deal on amendments with their GOP counterparts. 

Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) said he will vote against a motion to proceed to debate on the defense authorization bill — which includes language repealing the law preventing gays from serving openly in the military — if no deal on amendments is worked out.

“If you look at history, we usually debate the Defense authorization bill for two weeks. If the Democrats are serious about getting this bill passed, Leader Reid should sit down with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and work out the amendment process. Unless that is done, I will not support cloture on the motion to proceed to this bill," Voinovich said in a statement.

The Senate Democratic leadership needs 60 votes to proceed to debate on the legislation. Voinovich, who is retiring this year, has been targeted as one of the necessary Republican votes to reach that magic number.