Lieberman said at least two Republicans, Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Dick Lugar of Indiana, indicated they would vote to take up the defense bill if there is a “fair and open amendment process.” And a spokesman for Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said she may support the bill if a host of conditions are met.
“This is a weighty, policy-laden bill that normally takes several weeks to debate and amend,” said Murkowski spokesman Michael Brumas. “If the majority attempts to push it through, allowing little or no debate or votes on amendments, Sen. Murkowski would be inclined to oppose those efforts.”
Two more wavering senators, Jim Webb (D-Va.) and Scott Brown (R-Mass.) also are in play. Both voted against repeal of “don’t ask,” but they also voted in committee for the defense authorization bill, which includes repeal language. That’s two more yes votes that repeal advocates should be able to count on their side, according to one Senate staffer. And retiring Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) is thought to still be in play.
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