A defense authorization bill that included a repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy failed in the U.S. Senate this afternoon. The vote, which was largely along party lines, 57-40, was three votes shy of the 60 needed to end debate on the issue. Sen. Susan Collins (ME) was the only Republican to vote for repeal.

Update (4:28 p.m.): Newly-elected Sen. Mark Kirk, who was considered a possible "yes" vote for repeal on the policy, sided with the Republicans and voted "no."