Kingston: Carter's letter on submarine base could hurt Kings Bay

AP ^ | 8/23/5 | JEFFREY McMURRAY

[SmithL]

WASHINGTON -- A Georgia congressman on Tuesday accused former President Jimmy Carter of going against his home state at a critical time for a Georgia naval base trying to land several submarines from Connecticut.

Rep. Jack Kingston, a Republican who represents southeast Georgia, complained that the letter Carter sent last week to the chairman of the Base Closure and Realignment Commission could be devastating to Kings Bay because of his clout.

In the letter, Carter warns of an "adverse economic impact" should the Groton, Conn., base be closed, as the Pentagon is recommending. On Wednesday, the independent Base Closure and Realignment Commission is expected to essentially vote on whether Kings Bay or Groton gets the vessels _ a contest Kingston says could go either way.

"The numerical ping-pong has already been played," Kingston said. "Now it's in the emotional stage. You just hate to have an ex-president, a Navy guy and a Georgian going against the home team in the 11th hour."

Although it's hard to predict whether the BRAC panel will support or oppose Groton, Carter's letter does seem to be resonating. During an interview that aired Tuesday on C-SPAN, BRAC Chairman Anthony Principi said Carter was the highest ranking of anyone who had weighed in for any base.

[SmithL]

Battle of the Submarine Bases Ping.

[El Gran Salseron]

"Rep. Jack Kingston, a Republican who represents southeast Georgia, complained that the letter Carter sent last week to the chairman of the Base Closure and Realignment Commission could be devastating to Kings Bay because of his clout."

He's kidding, right? Jimmah has no clout.

[SandRat]

Did JessMe CarDUH just sink another submarine. The WWII Japanese Imperial Navy vets are getting angry. He's past their record in US Tonnage sunk.

[deaconjim]

Jimmy Carter has been stabbing America in the back since he got elected President. No reason his home state should expect any better treatment from him now.

[msnimje]

Carter is a traitor to his state and his country.

[Howlin]

Ping.......

[TNdandelion]

I lived in Kings Bay a long time ago! We had to wait for military housing to be built before we could live on base and I remember when St. Mary's got it's first grocery store (besides the tiny IGA).

Gosh! We used to take a chartered bus to Mayport, FL to shop at the commissary because we didn't have one! And the medical/dental care was given out of construction trailers! By the time we left (1984), they had everything. Clinic, commisary, exchange, bowling alley, gym, pool, movie theatre, club, etc.

The thought of it closing is sad.

[LTCJ]

In the spirit of mediation, I offer my services to negotiate an equitable solution before the Committee:
On behalf of my fellow Georgians, we will offer to receive with open arms all the boats and Connecticut Yankees Groton has. In exchange, we will gladly exchange the ex-President, his family, the Carter Presidential Library, and all the peanut laden soil the Central of Georgia can move north before their running stock falls apart.

Really, Jimmy. Show a little dignity and respect for the Former Office and Learn to Shut Up.

[FreedomPoster]

Probably works in favor of King's Bay. Anyone with any sense knows you likely want to do the opposite of whatever Jimmuh is recommending.

[nutmeg]

Connecticut ping!

Please Freepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent Connecticut ping list.

[Amelia]

On behalf of my fellow Georgians, we will offer to receive with open arms all the boats and Connecticut Yankees Groton has. In exchange, we will gladly exchange the ex-President, his family, the Carter Presidential Library, and all the peanut laden soil the Central of Georgia can move north before their running stock falls apart.

I'll second that idea!!

Howlin, thanks for the ping!

[solitas]

"...You just hate to have an ex-president, a Navy guy and a Georgian going against the home team in the 11th hour."

Well, being in Connecticut: I'm good with it.