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Dec 22, 2010

Kyl, McCain embarrass AZ in lame-duck session

Abandoned people and principles in fights vs. Don't Ask, Don't Tell, DREAM Act, New START Treaty

PHOENIX -- The lame-duck session of Congress has provided even more damning evidence that Arizona Sens. Jon Kyl and John McCain have abandoned people and principles alike. Their behavior often was flat-out embarrassing.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell: This historic victory came in spite of McCain's shameless hypocrisy and puzzling logic. He flip-flopped positions and fought this repeal even though it was backed by military leaders and the public. He even threw temper tantrums on the Senate floor. Gay servicemembers who have fought or even died for their country deserve much better from so-called leaders like McCain. We commend the Democratic Congress and the president for their efforts to enact this historic reform.

DREAM Act: Arizona Democrats joined a chorus of voices, including The Arizona Republic and The Arizona Daily Star, to call on Kyl and McCain to support this important legislation that would help thousands of deserving young people, not to mention strengthen U.S. military readiness and economic productivity. Both senators had supported versions of the DREAM Act in years past. But last Saturday in the Senate, Kyl and McCain abandoned it. Democrats will continue to push for the DREAM Act because it's the right thing to do. And when it eventually passes, Kyl and McCain will find themselves yet again on the wrong side of history.

New START Treaty: As the No. 1 obstructionist of this important treaty with Russia, Kyl treated national security like a political game. But today, he lost badly as many Republicans ignored his strong-arming and voted for ratification. McCain predictably stuck with Kyl on the losing side. These Arizona senators voted "No" despite the treaty's support from the entire U.S. military leadership, along with six former secretaries of State, five former secretaries of Defense, and three former national security advisers. In the words of the Council on Foreign Relations, "Kyl...miscalculated badly." Meanwhile, Slate wrote that Kyl "limps away from this face-off gravely wounded."

"Kyl and McCain have abandoned common sense and failed Arizona yet again," said Luis Heredia, Arizona Democratic Party executive director. "They flubbed historic opportunities to show leadership on issues facing the military, the U.S. immigration system, and national security. This lame duck session told Arizona everything it needs to know about these two senators."

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