Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) on Tuesday said people in his district didn’t bring up
the repeal of the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” law during the Memorial Day recess.
“I was everywhere in my district, everywhere, and it just
wasn’t raised,” Skelton said during a breakfast Tuesday with defense reporters.
“There are other things on people’s minds, like jobs, the economy, agriculture,” he said.
Skelton, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, helped write the law banning gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, and voted against a House amendment to the 2011 defense authorization bill that would eventually lead to repeal.
The Senate Armed Services Committee included a similar
provision in its version of the 2011 defense authorization bill. The final bill
is months away from reaching the president’s desk for his signature.
Skelton strongly opposes repeal of the Clinton-era law and has made his
position clear with voters. The 78-year old conservative Democrat, who usually
breezes to reelection, faces a tough campaign this year. He is a GOP target and Republicans believe they can defeat the 17-term lawmaker.
Skelton crisscrossed his district visiting military institutions and coffee
shops and heard “just a comment” from one constituent about "Don’t ask, don’t
tell.' It was far from a challenging or critical question, he said.
Skelton acknowledged that his political opponents could make it an issue even
though the constituents in his rural and conservative district did not raise it
this time around.
“I do not know what opponents may or may not do or say, “ he said. “I have no
clue.”
Even before the House voted on the repeal provision, the Republicans vying to
replace Skelton indicated that they consider making repeal of "Don’t ask, don’t
tell" a part of their effort to oust the Missouri legislator.
Soon after the House voted on the defense authorization bill, Missouri House Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R) posted a statement on her Facebook page attacking Skelton for
“not protecting the armed services” by not being able to defeat the House vote
for repeal.
“As with today’s critical vote, he is powerless to win
important battles when needed most,” Hartzler wrote. “American’s future
military strength and national security will be compromised by his failure
today.”
The House voted to pass the repeal amendment in a 234-194 vote.
Skelton voted against the amendment but voted for the final
bill, which he managed and contains must-pass Pentagon policies and
authorization for weapons systems funds as well as war funds.
As for the "Don't ask" repeal legislation, Skelton reiterated his position Tuesday: “I
oppose it. Period.”
Under the legislation approved by the House and a Senate panel, the repeal would
take place only after the Pentagon finishes a review of its implementation and
President Barack ObamaBarack Hussein ObamaFormer Sanders spokesperson: Biden 'backing away' from 'populist offerings' Amanda Gorman captures national interest after inauguration performance Riding to the rescue on climate, the Biden administration needs powerful partners MORE, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen certify it can be achieved
consistent with the military’s standards of readiness, effectiveness, unit
cohesion and recruitment and retention.
Skelton dispelled the notion that the House leadership rushed to approve the
repeal provision for fear there would not be enough supporters after the
November midterm elections. The issue was "never mentioned," Skelton
told reporters Tuesday.
Missouri's Republican primary is Aug. 3.
Sen. John McCainJohn Sidney McCainWhoopi Goldberg wears 'my vice president' shirt day after inauguration Budowsky: Democracy won, Trump lost, President Biden inaugurated Schumer becomes new Senate majority leader MORE (R-Ariz.) won Skelton’s district easily in the 2008
presidential contest, beating President Barack Obama 61-38.