McCaskill Probes Army Nominee on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

During his confirmation hearing for Secretary of the Army Thursday, Sen. Claire McCaskill asked Republican John McHugh about his views on the ban on gays serving openly in the military.

The Advocate notes McCaskill said, "I think it’s important we get that on the record at this juncture."

John McHugh said the military's gay ban was "a serious issue" that he has not addressed since it was implemented in 1993. "The reality is the president has made very clear, and I have not talked to the president directly, but I have talked to high officials in the administration, and I have no doubt the president is going to press forward with his intent to change that policy -- to whatever degree remains to be seen. I think he would like a full reversal," he said.

"It’s also without question that Secretary Gates has begun a process of what he describes as ‘softening’ that policy; whatever that may mean remains to be seen," McHugh said of the Defense Department's review of how the policy is currently being implemented.

Just last week, McCaskill took some heat from gay groups about a comment she made on why she voted against expanding a conceal and carry law.