Here are responses from various politicians to the GAO report on the tanker deal. The main story is here.

U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn:

"Today’s GAO decision confirms what Boeing and other supporters have been saying all along, that the Air Force made errors in awarding the contract to Airbus. Over the last one hundred days, Boeing has laid out the case for why the KC-767 should receive the contract to replace the aging KC-135. It has been clear all along that the process was flawed, as evidenced by the clear recommendations made by the GAO. This is a great victory for Boeing, Washington State and every American who values our nation’s economic and homeland security."

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Tacoma:

"The GAO’s decision is an unequivocal vindication of our position regarding the bidding process for the Air Force’s refueling tanker contract. The process was not fair and did not provide equal consideration for both companies’ products based on the Air Force’s solicitation. GAO recommends what amounts to a complete reopening of the bidding process which could result in the termination of the contract awarded to Northrop Grumman. In addition to ensuring that American workers get a fair shot at the contract, I hope this decision will also cause our government to reevaluate the wisdom of awarding major contracts to companies that have benefited from illegal government subsidies."

Gov. Chris Gregoire:

"I am very pleased with today’s ruling by the federal General Accounting Office to recommend the reopening of bids for the Air Force’s new refueling tanker. When the Air Force announced its decision earlier this year to select Airbus, I questioned the reasoning behind it based on the bid process, and cost and security concerns. I was confident the GAO would agree with Boeing’s appeal, and find that the Air Force made changes during the decision process that gave Boeing’s competitor an unfair advantage.

"Today’s decision is great news for Boeing and the entire country. This announcement means there is another opportunity for Boeing to rebid for the contract and retain high-skill, high-wage jobs in Washington and across the country. The decision also ensures that Boeing will continue to be the world leader in plane manufacturing with the best aviation work force in the nation."

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge:

"Even though it’s unusual to win a protest, I’m not surprised GAO sided with Boeing. This was the right decision – the facts were on Boeing’s side.

"GAO found not just one or two mistakes; they identified seven deadly sins in the procurement process without factoring in important considerations like illegal Airbus subsidies and fuel efficiency of the planes.

"The Air Force needs to give troops the best aircraft and taxpayers the best deal. And that’s the Boeing 767."