So, what do you think of Rep. Baldwin’s call on the chances of this particular legislation (including the unfortunate trans-stripped ENDA)  that will be considered on the Hill in the next session? (Wash Blade):

The only open lesbian in the U.S. House of Representatives is predicting that in the next session of Congress, bills related to employment non-discrimination and hate crimes will be more successful than legislation aimed at repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) made the comments today at a Center for American Progress forum geared toward highlighting the importance of the Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations Act, which would grant the partners of gay federal employees the same benefits that are available to the spouses of straight counterparts.

…Baldwin said she is “very optimistic” that ENDA and a hate crimes measure would pass Congress next session, particularly if Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, who has supported these initiatives, take the White House.

The congresswoman also said she expects progress on the Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations Act, which has not moved this session from the House and Senate committees to which it had been assigned.

But Baldwin said the success in “repealing discriminatory laws” already on the books “is a little less clear.”

“I think we will see more discretion on those – whether or not it can move to next level of repeal will be a challenge,” she said.