Tanker News
Governors Join Forces To Promote Boeing Tanker
The AP (2/23) reports, "Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has joined Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson in the nation's capital to announce a bipartisan coalition to support Boeing's bid for an Air Force contract to produce a fleet of new tanker planes." The pair "said Monday the tanker coalition includes business and labor groups, as well as the governors of Oregon, Maine, Iowa, Utah, Missouri, Illinois and Connecticut."
The Seattle Times (2/23, Song) notes the group of governors is being led by Gregoire. "Gregoire touted Boeing as a better choice for national security, value for taxpayers and the military's needs. Most of all, Gregoire and Parkinson depicted the tanker deal as a form of federal stimulus." Gregoire, who criticized Sen. Shelby for blocking national appointees over the contest, "defended governors going to bat for Boeing, saying the company can build better tankers more quickly and cheaply than its rival."
According to Politico (2/23, Dimascio), "The group represents a counter to the Aerospace Alliance, anchored in Alabama, where Northrop Grumman and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. are seeking to build tankers." However, "that group, which includes politicians and business leaders from Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida, is pushing for the Pentagon to split the purchase of tankers between both competitors." Meanwhile, Reuters (2/23) reports the final terms of the contract are expected on Wednesday. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he hoped both sides would compete in the contract.
