Calling the DADT repeal and the DREAM Act "misplaced" "symbolic" votes, the GOP says the senate should be focusing on the economy. But Sen. Patty Murray calls GOP "shameful."

Today, Senate Republicans blocked the DREAM Act—legislation that would give children of undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship on the condition that they serve in the military or go to college—and also stalled the defense budget , which includes a repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, who was particularly outspoken on repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell during her recent campaign (something Washington voters supported ), released a statement immediately after the GOP filibustered the bill 57-40:

“It is truly shameful that Senate Republicans continue to block the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ This policy has failed in its intended goals, done a tremendous disservice to men and women who want nothing more than to defend their country and the freedoms America stands for—and it’s time for it to go. I am going to keep working to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ and I urge Senate Republicans to end their obstruction and allow this bill to pass.”

In the post I did earlier today re: speaking at a GOP forum, one thing I told the roomful of Republicans was that their party was perceived as being "mean-spirited" and they should get on the winning side of the polling numbers.

Brian Walsh, spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, tells PubliCola:

"Most voters in this country are concerned, first and foremost, about jobs and the economy. That's why Senate Republicans have said the immediate focus should be on the massive looming tax increase that will hurt millions of families and small businesses. It speaks to the misplaced priorities of Senator Cantwell and her Democrat colleagues that instead of focusing on the economy, they're more focused on holding symbolic votes on issues such as DADT and the DREAM Act."

UPDATE:

Sen. Cantwell issued a statement:

When a clear majority of our troops, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of Defense, and authorities such as former Senator Sam Nunn, believe that “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy can be repealed without harming military readiness, it is disappointing that this measure continues to be subject to a partisan filibuster. The repeal is measured and responsible, providing the Department of Defense with the necessary time to properly implement this important policy shift.