Reply #2: Lawmakers have much to lose _ politically _ from base closings [View All]

[MaineDem]

Here's a local link.

http://news.mainetoday.com/apwire/D89MJPN80-114.shtml

WASHINGTON — The upcoming round of military base closings must be "untarnished by political influence," Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole declared. Then she put in a plug for her own state.

North Carolina "supports a unique military infrastructure," prime for expansion not closure, Dole told the head of the commission that will review Pentagon proposals for which bases to shut.

Base closures have enormous political ramifications. No matter the political party, House and Senate members have a lot to lose if hometown bases shut down and voters blame the lawmakers for disappearing jobs.

In February, a New Hampshire group visiting Washington sent a clear message to potential presidential candidates during private meetings with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., GOP Sens. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and John McCain of Arizona, and Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York.