Movement on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?

Ben Smith has the details:

The White House, I’m told, will today announce that it’s filling the key Pentagon slot for the implementation — or repeal — of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which bars open gays and lesbians from serving in the military.

The appointment of retired Marine General Clifford Stanley as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness is being hailed by a key group that represents gay soldiers as a major advance toward repeal — suggesting the White House is moving closer to backing legislation that would reverse the measure.

As a candidate, President Obama pledged to end the controversial policy, but he has come under heavy fire from gay rights supporters who say he has not moved quickly enough after taking office to end the military’s practice of discharging gay servicemembers — which has continued under the Obama administration.