In this report the Governor of Washington, Ms. Gregoire, and Senator Patty Murray make clear that awarding the KC-X contract to Boeing (BA) will protect jobs in that state. The two Democrats rightly point out that several thousand jobs at Boeing support the 767 program as well as supply parts and components to the company.

In another not surprise the two showed up at a rally with union members and local officials.

Once again the U.S. finds itself in this situation due to the severe reduction in the defense industrial base twenty years ago that leaves only Boeing and its competitor European company EADS (EADS:P). For there to be any chance at competition with a goal of saving money for the Pentagon the two have to bid against each other – jobs or not.

The two Democratic Senators from Washington state, Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, are raising questions about some recent changes to the KC-X RFP that in their eyes favor EADS North America.  Forexyard.com is reporting that three changes were announced last week that included how the encryption material or “COMSEC” would be treated as well as a clause allowing duty free import of aircraft components.

These two additions especially have attracted the attention of Boeing (BA) supporters as in their view they make it easier for a non-U.S. company to bid.  The Air Force is saying the COMSEC change clarifies how all contracts will treat this important security matter.  Obviously COMSEC material is tightly controlled doubly so when it comes to handling by non-U.S. personnel.

As the contract goes through its process sniping and criticism of every move, change or event will happen from either side’s supporters.  This contract is so large and so important to the two companies that things like this should be expected.

The Herald a newspaper in Everett, WA has an article discussing how happy and confident Boeing’s legislator supporters are with the new RFP released yesterday by the Air Force. This is the opposite as to how those from Alabama feel. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) is quoted as saying, “Given a fair shot, Washington state’s workers will bring home this contract,” Murray said. “We have the skills, the technology, and the experience of having built the only combat-ready tanker to prove it.”

If Northrop Grumman (NOC) and its partner Airbus don’t submit a bid it will be hard for Boeing (BA) to not win the contract. Hence the happiness of their supporters.

The competition between Boeing (BA) and Northrop Grumman (NOC) for the KC-X contract is pretty hot. As with many of these contracts the states that stand to benefit the most legislators are supportive. The states being Washington and Kansas for Boeing and primarily Alabama for Northrop. At the same time it doesn’t help anybody to throw insults around and play loose with facts.

Recently Senator Patty Murray of Washington was on National Public Radio (NPR) and supposedly said that “I would challenge anybody to tell me that they’ve stood on a line in Alabama and seen anybody building anything.” Ms. Murray demonstrates taht she knows little or nothing about the U.S. economy and Alabama’s contribution.

Mercedes Benz and Honda make thousands of cars a year in Alabama one assumes on a production line. Hyundai has a 500,000 car a year plant as well. Boeing employs thousands of people in the state as well working for NASA and the Defense Department. So she insulted those people while supporting them at the same time.

The contest should be above such petty insults.