Here’s what people are saying about the Boeing Co.’s bid for the Air Force aerial refueling tanker contract:
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.
“Now that the bids are in, the Pentagon should move forward quickly in choosing a contractor to build the next-generation Air Force tanker, but should do so while ensuring we have a level playing field for competition.”
Aaron Reardon, Snohomish County Executive
“Choosing Boeing to build the NewGen Tanker will provide more than 50,000 jobs nationwide, including thousands of jobs right here in Snohomish County. This refueling tanker should be American built …”
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., at the tanker rally in Everett
“For too long you’ve had to compete not only against rival workers and companies, you’ve had to also compete against the treasuries of European governments.
“So today I want to be very clear – The illegal subsidies Airbus receives have hurt workers in this room – they need to end – and I won’t stop fighting to ensure they are considered in this contract.”
Ray Stephanson, Mayor of Everett, at the tanker rally in Everett
“The finest airplanes in the world are built here by the world’s most talented workforce.”
Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., at the tanker rally in Everett
“We aren’t going to allow cheating in Europe to take away jobs in America.”
Tom Wroblewski, president of local Machinists union
“Whether it’s 2001 or 2010, the Boeing tanker is the right tanker for America.”
Gov. Chris Gregoire and her US Tanker 2010 Coalition
“We respectfully urge the leadership at the Pentagon to finish the procurement process and move forward on this critical investment in our national security. America’s workers are the finest in the world and stand ready to build the finest aircraft in the world, as they have done for the past 60 years.”
Who will win the Air Force’s tanker contract? Have your say.
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