THE BURNED OVER DISTRICT

Just in case you didn't already know what a bunch of ignorant puerile dipshits the Senate Republicans are, President Obama has nominated a gay man to be Secretary of the Army. If they give him the courtesy of a confirmation hearing, you can expect that his "gayness" will be the only 'qualification' the GOP will talk about.

President Obama took the historic step Friday of naming an openly gay man to head the Army, a nomination that, if confirmed, would be a first for the nation’s military services.

In light of past controversies over gay military service and President Bill Clinton’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, Obama’s promotion of Army Acting Undersecretary Eric Fanning to the largest service’s top post could face hurdles in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Several GOP presidential candidates have criticized the Supreme Court’s June 26 ruling, in a 5-4 decision, that gay couples have a constitutional right to marry, and homosexuality remains a divisive topic within the largely conservative military.

“Eric brings many years of proven experience and exceptional leadership to this new role,” Obama said in nominating Fanning to be secretary of the Army. “I am grateful for his commitment to our men and women in uniform, and I am confident he will lead America’s soldiers with distinction. I look forward to working with Eric to keep our Army the very best in the world.”

Fanning, 47, who has held a handful of lower Pentagon posts, would replace current Army Secretary John McHugh, a former New York state congressman who has held the job for six years.

Praising Fanning’s “sound judgment and insight,” McHugh said: “Our soldiers, civilians and their families will benefit greatly from his leadership.”

While the Senate confirmed McHugh, who had been the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, by unanimous voice vote in September 2009, Fanning is unlikely to enjoy such a smooth confirmation path.

A native of Kalamazo, Mich. and a Dartmouth College graduate, Fanning served as chief of staff to Defense Secretary Ash Carter from mid-February through June, when Carter named him acting undersecretary of the Army.

In congratulating Fanning for his nomination to the top post, Carter put the Senate on notice against any political opposition.

“President Obama has made an excellent choice, and I hope for a quick Senate confirmation,” Carter said.

Because he was in an acting, or temporary, role as Army undersecretary, Fanning did not face a Senate confirmation vote before assuming that post on June 30. He also served as acting secretary of the Air Force for six months in 2013.

He did receive a voice vote approval of his term as acting Secretary of the Air Force but the flyboys are a little weird anyway so it didn't really matter.