Anti-Don't Ask, Don't Tellers Do Pursue 2008 Strategy

The Human Rights Campaign's Brad Luna tells me that the well-funded gay rights organization will kick off a national tour to repeal DADT -- that's Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the federal policy banning gays from serving in the military.

The tour, which kicks off in Des Moines, IA next Tuesday, will feature the first U.S. soldier injured in Iraq, Eric Alva -- yep, he's gay -- along with other gay vets and one of those Arabic linguists the Republicans were asked to address last night. Iowa State Sen. Maj. Leader Mike Gronstal will also attend, ensuring that the event will earn press coverage and find its way into the presidential conversation there.



The Republicans all favored keeping the policy in place; on Sunday, all the Democrats indicated they'd try to repeal it.

The HRC sent out a video recorded by ex-Marine commander Antonio Agnone


Tour stops include: Phoenix, Orlando, Palm Springs, CA, Seattle and New Hampshire.

Check out HRC president Joe Solomnese's security frame:

Those candidates running to be the next Commander in Chief will have to decide if they believe the sexual orientation of an Arabic linguist is more important than their ability to potentially decode the next piece of intelligence that could finally bring Osama Bin Laden to justice