Senate Republicans have blocked legislation that would have repealed the military’s policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell” and allowed gay troops to serve openly. Democrats failed today to cinch a procedural deal with Republicans in the waning days of the lame-duck session. The 57-40 test vote fell three votes short of the 60 needed to advance. The vote ends months of political wrangling on the bill and makes congressional action on the repeal provision unlikely any time soon/Associated Press. More here.

• Also: Idaho's Mike Crapo & Jim Risch helped block repeal
  

Question: Are you surprised by the action in the U.S. Senate?