Dayton blocks nominee in dispute over fighter jets for Minnesota

Mpls (red)Star Tribune ^ | 5/1/02 | Rob Hotakainen

[Valin]

Until that happens, Dayton said Tuesday, he intends to block a vote on President Bush's nomination of Maj. Gen. Daniel James III to head the U.S. Air National Guard.

A year ago, Dayton said, the then-director of the U.S. Air National Guard promised him that newer F-16 jets would be sent to the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth by 2003 to replace the current aircraft, now more than 20 years old.

[Valin]

I'm thinking of building a machinegun bunker, better safe than sorry that's what I say.

[cynicom]

If he wants to really be a whining socialist, take his private Air Force away now. Dems hate the military. I think we can handle those marauding Canadians that venture across the border.

[norton]

Dear Mr. Dayton;
There's a war going on just now.
It isn't a real big one as wars go...
But just maybe someone else needs newer aircraft more than you do?

Maybe a few more rubber boats to patrol all those lakes would be OK?

[Valin]

he said there's a fear that the Minnesota unit could be more vulnerable to future base closings if its aircraft are not updated.

What he's really worried about.

[NerdDad]

These jerks seem to know only one word--OBSTRUCT. We need to raise holy he!! with our reps and senators to make sure they hammer these obstructionists as what they are.