Stormy Weather
Exit a CEO; enter a new case of cozy ties between Boeing and the Air Force
Douglas Kennett, a Boeing spokesman, says the Air Force and Congress have supported the C-17 because its versatility makes it superior to the C-5, not because it provides jobs or is based in key states. The company, he adds, does not discuss its lobbying. The Air Force says military, economic, and political factors all determine where it bases planes.
Spin cycle. Money, jobs, and politics aren't the only ingredients that go into funding multibillion-dollar military projects. The relationship between Boeing and the Air Force has been nurtured by the "revolving door" between government and industry. The Pentagon is investigating the case of Darleen Druyun. The former Air Force acquisitions official was fired last month by Boeing after allegations that she was recruited for a job by the company while still overseeing Boeing projects for the Air Force.
Druyun is one of many to trade an Air Force position for the chance to work at Boeing. Paul Weaver Jr., who as an Air Force two-star general called for new tankers and more C-17s, is now a registered Boeing lobbyist. Retired Lt. Gen. John Sams, who oversaw airlift assets at California's Travis Air Force Base, is now the tanker program manager at Boeing. Charles Robertson, a retired general who headed the Air Mobility Command, now works for Boeing on the C-17. POGO identifies 29 other government and military officials who have taken senior positions at Boeing or lobbied for the company since 1997. Another group, Taxpayers for Common Sense, says 23 more ex-officials now lobby for Boeing.
McCain, outraged by Boeing's behavior, wants answers. He plans to request a General Accounting Office inquiry into government officials who have gone to work for Boeing. Next year, he plans to hold hearings on the matter.
Spread your wings
The C-17, based around the country, provides jobs for 8,000 Boeing employees; the plane's suppliers employ an additional 25,000 in 39 states.
[map key]
A - C-17 plants and suppliers
B - C-17 suppliers
C - Existing C-17 bases
D - New C-17 bases
[map labels]
Ala. - B
Alaska - D
Ariz. - A
Ark. - B
Calif. - A,D
Colo. - B
Conn. - B
Del. - D
Fla. - B
Ga. - A
Hawaii - D
Idaho - B
Ill. - B
Ind. - B
Iowa - B
Kan. - B
Ky. - B
La.
Maine
Md. - B
Mass. - B
Mich. - B
Minn. - B
Miss. - B,D
Mo. - A
Mont.
Neb. - B
Nev. - B
N.H. - B
N.J. - B,D
N.M. - B
N.Y. - B
N.C. - B
N.D.
Ohio - B
Okla. - B,C
Ore. - B
Pa. - B
R.I. - B
S.C. - B,C
S.D. - B
Tenn. - B
Texas - B
Utah - B
Vt.
Va. - B
Wash. - B,C
W.Va.
Wis. - B
Wyo.
Source: Boeing
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