It’s no surprise that today’s decision on the tanker didn’t sit well in Alabama.
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby stopped short of implying corruption was involved.
“I’m disappointed but not surprised,” Shelby said in coverage on al.com. . “Only Chicago politics could tip the scales in favor of Boeing’s inferior plane. EADS clearly offers the more capable aircraft. If this decision stands, our warfighters will not get the superior equipment they deserve.”
Here are more samples from this story.
“The U.S. Department of Defense, in not awarding the aerial refueling tanker contract to EADS North America today, has made a egregious error and America’s military men and women are ultimately the biggest losers,” said a statement from the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.
And this from their president, Win Hallett:
“We are completely shocked by the news that EADS did not prevail in this competition. The EADS tanker has greater capacity, more advanced technology and a proven track record. Given the history of this competition over the past seven years, and that we won the last contest three years ago, we are disappointed to see that the Air Force chose an inferior product for our war fighters.”
Credit Mobile Mayor Sam Jones for taking the high road.
“Though we are disappointed about the decision today, we know that EADS has the best aircraft and Mobile is the right place for manufacturing it. Mobile put forth a united effort that will hopefully lead to other economic development projects. We’ve got to respect the Air Force decision and move on because further delay puts our military in jeopardy.”
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