Dodd Calls for Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy

HAMPTON - Democratic Presidential hopeful Chris Dodd said yesterday that he would like to see the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on homosexuals in uniform repealed.

"Whether or not we can repeal it or not I don't know, but it seems to me that at a time when we need talented people to serve in our military, setting up barriers like that for those who might serve I think is wrong," the Connecticut senator said at a Hampton fire station.

Dodd defended the service of gays in the military and criticized Marine Gen. Peter Pace, who recently called homosexuality immoral.

"It was a ridiculous statement to make," said Dodd.

On another topic, Dodd said he hasn't yet called for the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who has been accused of misleading members of Congress about the dismissal of eight U.S. attorneys.

Dodd said he would like to see a full investigation first. "I'm deeply concerned about it. I thought there were certain areas that were out of bounds in politics," he said. "Apparently this administration thinks there's nothing out of bounds, including politicizing the U.S. atttorney's office. I don't know how high that goes up."

On Iraq, Dodd said he would begin redeploying troops right away, calling Iraq "a cauldron of turmoil." He voted for a Democratic resolution to withdraw most combat troops from Iraq in 2008, leaving a "limited number" for such purposes as training.

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