Yes he did, sort of set himself up there. But, the list gets reviewed by the President, and hopefully thats where Thune will have juice. This situation shows, in spades, the danger of becoming dependant on the government. When the chuckwagon closes, there's some mighty hungry cowboys around for awhile.
Yeah, and angry ones too! I try to understand why these people are angry or worried. It's going to hurt, especially where there is a small town, or state that may not have many bases left. I also try to think of how I'd feel if HAFB in Utah was one of those closed. Sure it would hurt, and I'd be sad, and maybe a little mad!
But just as long as it wasn't political, and there were good reasons to close it, I wouldn't stay mad. At least Rumsfeld or(GWB admin.)can't be logically accused of being political about it! Because some big red states like Texas, and some red states in the south lost some as well as those in the blue column.
I remember how maddening Bill Clinton was being at the time of the last closure. He was so busy sweet-talking, and cosying up to D.Feinstein, and B.Boxer, that it was enough to make one ill! Now that was political!