Another gloomy assessment of RFM from a gay Dem operative

Steve Hildebrand, former deputy campaign manager for President Obama and recent critic of the Administration's handling of LGBT issues, does not think Congress would ever have the guts to repeal DOMA:

"I don't believe Congress will ever have the courage to repeal DOMA," said Hildebrand, who himself is gay and advising gay San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty on his 2011 mayoral bid.

Asked by the Bay Area Reporter about Frank's opposition to the bill, Hildebrand acknowledged that without the powerful lawmaker's support the bill's prospects are dim.

"I don't pretend to understand everything that goes on in Congressman Frank's head. He is a wickedly smart guy but he has a lot on his plate with the banking crisis," said Hildebrand. "He is a leader who inspires many gay Americans and we need to have him be one of our best advocates. He has a lot of clout in that Democratic caucus.

"Even if an issue like repeal of DOMA doesn't have all the votes, it doesn't mean we shouldn't fight like hell to get it passed," added Hildebrand.