USA Today: Baucus’ replacement could boost Gillibrand’s military sex assault bill
USA Today reports:
Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, who was confirmed by the Senate this afternoon as the new ambassador to China, likely will be replaced in the next few days by someone who supports legislation that would let military lawyers decide whether to prosecute sexual assault cases in the armed forces.
Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, the author of the bill, says she’s close to the 60 votes she needs for Senate passage when the legislation comes to the floor next week.
Baucus has never said publicly how he would vote on Gillibrand’s bill.
The person most likely to be named by Montana Gov. Steve Bullock to replace Baucus in the Senate is Montana Lt. Gov. John Walsh, who is running for Baucus’ seat in the November election.
