Merkley has plan to save Boeing jobs

PORTLAND - Oregon House Speaker and Democratic candidate Jeff Merkley said he has a plan to reverse the U.S. Air Force's decision to outsource its tanker project that could have created 225 jobs in Oregon.

Merkley issued a news release that he will announce his plan at noon today at the Boeing manufacturing facility in Portland. Scott Lucy, a leader of the Machinists Lodge 63 and the former chief shop Steward at the Boeing facility, will join Merkley for the announcement.

Earlier this month the U.S. Air Force awarded a contract for a nearly $40 billion Air Force tanker contract to a European plane maker instead of Boeing. Merkley said the move cost Oregon 225 jobs and $8 million.

Merkley also said has been working with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., to challenge the Air Force's move.

Posted March 17, 2008
In the News

Jeff Merkley was born in the small town of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, the son of a sawmill worker. He's fought hard for working families in Oregon and he's ready to help lead America.

As Oregon's Speaker of the House, Jeff Merkley led one of the most effective, efficient and progressive legislative sessions in Oregon's history - with big achievements for schools, ethics, health care, jobs, alternative energy, and protections for working families.

Discover why Jeff Merkley is ready to lead.

For years, Gordon Smith has given rich corporations and well-connected lobbyists in DC the upper hand - costing too many working families their jobs.

Jeff Merkley knows first-hand it's time to crack down on big corporations outsourcing American jobs and create economic opportunity for every Oregon worker right here at home.

Dive into the issues - and learn where Jeff Merkley will lead America.

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