News

Huckabee's Pandering on DADT is a Harmful Distraction

March 23, 2011

(Washington, DC)  – Log Cabin Republicans oppose former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee's threats to reinstate the failed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy and condemn his attempts to undermine the Department of Defense Repeal Implementation Team.

"Mike Huckabee's ill-informed comments fly in the face of overwhelming public opinion and common sense," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director. "A clear bipartisan majority in Congress voted in December to enact the will of the American people, which demanded that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' be stricken from the books. The Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and leadership throughout the Pentagon are in full support of the implementation process that is now moving forward throughout each branch of the military. This debate is over. Today our military is confronting real challenges around the globe, and reopening this debate is an unnecessary distraction.

"That Mr. Huckabee continues to fight the end of this failed and unconstitutional policy demonstrates that he is willing to put personal ambition and political pandering ahead of the priorities of the American people. As a combat veteran and an Army Reserve officer, I can attest that repeal strengthens unit cohesion, readiness and effectiveness. All Republicans should remain focused on the issues that matter most - cutting the deficit, balancing the federal budget, creating jobs, and addressing the real challenges in the world today."

Log Cabin Republicans have maintained a three-front strategy against 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' lobbying for repeal in Congress, consulting with the Department of Defense, and filing suit in federal court. The case went to trial in July of 2010, and Judge Virginia Phillips ruled on September 9, 2010 that the policy violated the First and Fifth Amendments of the Constitution.