After meeting with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Alabama Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions said they will lift their hold on Ashton Carter, the nominee for Under Secretary of Defense and Acquisition. The two senators met with Gates Thursday to discuss the contoversial Air Force tanker contract, which pits Boeing against the Northrop Grumman/EADS team. Shelby, who said he wants to contract to go to the best value rather than based on price alone, said Gates echoed the desire to deliver the best airplane to troops. (Source: WKRG-TV, 04/23/09) Gulf Coast note: EADS will assemble the plane in Mobile, Ala., if it wins the contract.
