From the AP News Wire:
Thune appeared on the C-SPAN cable network and fielded questions about the Defense Department's recommendation to close Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City.
Thune, a freshman senator, said he has made it clear from the start that he would do everything possible for Ellsworth.
"That obviously means using the tools that you have, the powers you have at your disposal as a United States senator," he said. "Clearly, I'm going to do what I think is in the best interest of my state of South Dakota as well as in the best interest of the country because I think that's our responsibility as senators."
Thune said he is making his argument with the administration, the Pentagon and his colleagues in Congress. "We're not going to go down without a fight, that's for sure." ...
It was Daschle who raised the Ellsworth issue during the campaign, Thune said, adding that his response was, "if, in fact, there was a political component that was part of this process, that yes, I would be able to make the case to this administration."
The Bush administration has taken a hands-off attitude and allowed the base closure process to work, Thune said. "They have not tried to influence the decisions that were made by the Pentagon."
Still, the Ellsworth decision is wrong, he said.
"I was surprised like a lot of people were" when it was announced, the senator said.
You can watch a video of the CSPAN broadcast here.
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