Tuesday, May 17, 2005
South Dakota: Thuned Out
Last November, South Dakotans traded in a general for a lieutenant, replacing Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle with the oh-so-conservative John Thune, who pledged that he would carry more influence for his state in Washington than a hated Democrat. Especially in terms of keeping South Dakota's military bases open. Especially the very large Air Force base at Ellsworth.
See where I'm leading?
Ellsworth stands out prominently on the list of announced base closures proposed by the Pentagon. Whoops. Amazingly, sending a GOP yes-man to Washington hasn't enhanced South Dakota's political visibility. As a minority leader, Daschle could have had an array of sticks and carrots to wield against the Pentagon. As a senator who ran on the basic premise of being the administration's rubber stamp, Thune has none of that. Assuredly, he is now going through the motions to save the base and maybe the administration will take pity on him and remember a few half-uttered promises it may have made while recruiting him. At best, though, Thune may prolong the inevitable. The need to appease South Dakota is, at best, a fleeting impulse. The need to cut wasteful or unnecessary bases in an era of military revolutions will prove far more durable.
Ever the good guy, Tom Daschle has pledged his support in the fight for Ellsworth. Maybe Thune should give him a call.
See where I'm leading?
Ellsworth stands out prominently on the list of announced base closures proposed by the Pentagon. Whoops. Amazingly, sending a GOP yes-man to Washington hasn't enhanced South Dakota's political visibility. As a minority leader, Daschle could have had an array of sticks and carrots to wield against the Pentagon. As a senator who ran on the basic premise of being the administration's rubber stamp, Thune has none of that. Assuredly, he is now going through the motions to save the base and maybe the administration will take pity on him and remember a few half-uttered promises it may have made while recruiting him. At best, though, Thune may prolong the inevitable. The need to appease South Dakota is, at best, a fleeting impulse. The need to cut wasteful or unnecessary bases in an era of military revolutions will prove far more durable.
Ever the good guy, Tom Daschle has pledged his support in the fight for Ellsworth. Maybe Thune should give him a call.
