Second-ranking Democrat in the Senate Dick Durbin: We might not get to repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

In an article in The Hill, which explains how some Democrats don't want to take up "controversial" issues, we learn that the number two Democrat in the Senate, Dick Durbin (D-IL), is now saying they may not take up the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell next year. Durbin, being from Illinois, has very close ties to the Obama administration, so when he speaks, it's not only as a Senate leader, but as an Obama surrogate:

Reid, meanwhile, has pushed for the repeal of the military’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which prohibits gays from serving openly in the military.

Gay-rights activists have put strong pressure on Obama and Democratic leaders to repeal the ban sooner rather than later.

Reid sent a letter to Obama last month asking him to provide recommendations on gays serving in the military, noting that Congress is considering “future legislative action.”

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said he was not certain whether repealing “Don’t ask, don’t tell” would be on next year’s agenda.

That's not a good signal from Durbin.

What we're learning is that just because Democrats make campaign promises while asking the gay community for money, doesn't mean Democrats will actually follow through on those promises. We're "controversial."