[Non-Sequitur]

Maybe this is a sign that the Administration will play hardball with Senators that don't care what will happen to their state...

I would hope that the question of what base to close and what base to keep is made on what is best for our nation's defense needs and not for crass political reasons. But you may be right. After all, Bush senior kept bases open for political reasons, as did Clinton. Why should it be surprising if this administration closed bases for the same reason?

[A Balrog of Morgoth]

not for crass political reasons

I agree with your sentiments, but alot of bases owe their construction and continued existence to crass political reasons.

[topher]

I would hope that the question of what base to close and what base to keep is made on what is best for our nation's defense needs and not for crass political reasons. But you may be right. After all, Bush senior kept bases open for political reasons, as did Clinton. Why should it be surprising if this administration closed bases for the same reason?

This doesn't mean that George W or the Pentagon will close these bases. But it puts Senator Collins between a rock and a hard place. Not playing ball with the Administration may mean this large base is closed (IMO). Helping John Roberts become a member of SCOTUS makes it less likely to be closed -- especially if she can convince fellow Senator Olympia Snowe to support John Roberts... (As well as some other Northeast Republican Yankees Senators that opposed earlier Judicial nominees...