Pawlenty downplayed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in December

Posted at 2:36 PM on May 27, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: MN Legislature, Tim Pawlenty

Gov. Tim Pawlenty sent a letter to Congressional leaders yesterday expressing concerns about the impact of changing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. President Obama and Democrats in Congress have reached agreement on changing the policy that forbids gays to serve in the military.

In his letter to Congress, Pawlenty mentioned his role as commander in chair of the state's National Guard and argued against making a "major policy change" without full review by the military. Pawlenty is possible candidate for the White House in 2012.

But in December, Pawlenty took more of a hands off approach to "Don't Ask Don't Tell." Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, sent a letter to Pawlenty then requesting he meet with a retired Army veteran who most recently served in Operation Iraqi Freedom to discuss the policy.

Pawlenty sent a letter to Dibble saying the issue was a federal matter:

"Thank you for your letter regarding your constituent's concerns about the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. As noted in your letter, Josh Gackle, my senior adviser on military matters, has met with Mr. Wesley Davey on this issue.

As you know, this military policy is a federal issue. There is no legal authority granted to governors regarding this matter. Even as commander in chief of the state's National Guard, there is no authority for a governor to override or alter this federal military policy."

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