(Oregon) Governor threatens to sue over air base

[struggle4progress]

8/2/2005, 3:02 p.m. PT
The Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Gov. Ted Kulongoski threatened on Tuesday to sue the Department of Defense if the government transfers fighter planes and personnel from the Portland Air National Guard base.

In a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Kulongoski cited federal statues he said required his consent for such a move.

"I do not consent to deactivation, relocation or withdrawal of the 142nd Fighter Wing," he wrote.

"Given Oregon's geographic location and unquestionable need for air superiority in the Pacific Northwest, this recommendation places the entire region at risk if it is accepted," Kulongoski wrote. <snip>

http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-11/112301656781860.xml&storylist=orlocal

[anotherdrew]

1. isn't the nation guard supposed to be under state control?

When did the bush brat nationalize the guard anyway? And what happened to needing them back to fight forest fires this summer? We've been light on fires this year huh? Maybe rethugs aren't setting as many.

[KeepItReal]

2. This BRAC process is raising hell with units coast-to-coast

If you watch the hearings on CSPAN, you can see some really powerful folks humbling themselves and basically begging the commission not to close local bases and/or cut the forces there.

On edit:

Here's a link with some info:

http://www.defenselink.mil/brac/

[BlueIris]

3. Go! Ted! Best. Governor. Ever.

And don't you DARE not run again, Sir. We need you.

[Voltaire99]

4. "Unquestionable need for air superiority in the Pacific Northwest"

LOL! Can't let those Canuks catch us with our pants down.

"... this recommendation places the entire region at risk if it is accepted."

What hyperbole--he should be ashamed.