Washington — Sen. Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, tells reporters that Vice President Biden called her earlier today to discuss her “frustration” with the Senate politics swirling around bringing “don’t ask, don’t tell” to a floor vote.
Collins remains hopeful about supporting the provision in the defense authorization bill, but offered a word of warning to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.). Collins tells us that her support of the measure continues to hinge on whether Reid “is serious about trying to move this issue along or whether he is trying to force a political vote.”
“I’m hopeful,” Collins says. “There is no reason that this couldn’t be worked out with a time agreement that is fair to everyone.”
update: As signaled, Collins just voted against proceeding to the defense appropriations bill — despite her support of the DADT provision.