Could GOP takeover thwart 'Don't Ask' repeal this year?

Politico’s Morning Defense is predicting a Republican takeover of the U.S. House this fall would spell doom for the pending fiscal year 2011 defense authorization bill and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal language in the legislation:

IF REPUBLICANS WIN THE HOUSE – Lobbyists predict that defense bills will come to a screeching halt, which could spell doom for the already controversial defense authorization bill. They provide a couple of reasons: The level of partisan bickering is likely to intensify, and waiting and letting Republicans handle those bills next year will allow the Democrats to play the blame game. The one kind of legislation that’s likely to move, insiders say, is a continuing resolution.

Capitol Hill insiders have been expecting a Senate vote on the defense authorization bill in September along with a debate on the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal language in the legislation. Passage of the bill at that time would avert the issue of having to take up the matter after the November elections.

[h/t] gay.americablog.com