Congress moved two major steps closer to eliminating the military’s discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy late last night. The House attached an amendment repealing the law to this year’s defense authorization bill, which passed 234-194. The Senate Armed Services Committee approved a similar measure just a few hours before that, setting the stage for a major vote in the upper chamber following the Memorial Day recess.

Illinois' own Rep. Judy Biggert deserves some credit for being one of only five Republicans to cross the aisle to vote in favor of repeal. The same can't be said for GOP U.S. Senate nominee Mark Kirk, a one-time proponent of gay rights who has all but abandoned that constituency since deciding to run statewide. On the Democratic side, Illinois Reps. Jerry Costello and Dan Lipinski voted against the bill, along with 24 other members of the party.

If you're scoring at home, Lipinski previously voted against health care reform and cast a "present" vote on the stimulus packaage. The guy is practically begging for a primary challenge in 2012.