Will the North Country tip the balance on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell?

It sounds like a silly question, but the truth is that North Country politicians will have a lot to say about the future of DADT.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, last elected to the House district that stretches to the outskirts of Saranac Lake, is leading the charge to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly.

Army Secretary John McHugh — last elected as a Republican to the House district that includes Fort Drum — says he supports the repeal of of DADT.

Army Secretary John McHugh, the former congressman from Northern and Central New York, said Tuesday he will support President Barack Obama’s plan to repeal the policy that bans gays from serving openly in the military.

But when pressed, McHugh said he personally opposes any effort in Congress to place an immediate moratorium on dismissals of soldiers who violate the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Rep. Bill Owens, the Democrat from Plattsburgh who now represents Fort Drum and sits on the Armed Services COmmittee, agrees.

He argued earlier this month, “I believe it’s appropriate to terminate don’t ask, don’t tell.”

One other wrinkle in the North Country’s role in all this:

One of the most prominent soldiers drummed out of the military because of his sexuality is Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraqi interpreter.

He served with our 10th Mountain Division for 15 months in Iraq and is now a member of the National Guard.

The debate over gays and lesbians in the military will likely continue for months.

It’s fascinating that some of the key decisions, and votes, could be made by leaders from this rural part of New York state.

Tags: glbt