Lincoln: More Democrats could support bill barring terror trials

More Democratic senators could sign onto a bill to bar funding for terror trials in the U.S. homeland, Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) said Wednesday.

Lincoln, who along with Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), has joined with Republicans to support a bill barring terror trials, hinted at potentially growing bipartisan consensus for the measure.

"I think there's others who are probably looking at it," Lincoln said during an appearance on Fox News when asked if other Democrats could sign on.

A smattering of Democrats, including Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), had come out against holding trials for al-Qaeda leader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other suspected terrorists in New York City after it became apparent that logistical challenges and security risks made the location untenable.

The Obama administration has sent signals to the media that it will move the trials, though it has not said so officially. Republicans, for their part, have said the alleged terrorists should be tried at the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and before military tribunals -- not civilian courts.

Lincoln explained her decision to join with Republicans as showing deference toward her constituents in Arkansas, where she faces a tough reelection battle from Rep. John Boozman (R) and other Republicans this fall.

"You will definitely find from me that I listen to the people of Arkansas, their concerns, and then make a judgment on what's right," she said. "And I think they're right on this."

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