Friends,

Today, I stood proudly with Boeing Machinists, concerned citizens and members of our congressional delegation at a rally in Everett’s Machinists Union Hall. Together we objected to the US Air Force’s decision to award a military contract worth billions to Airbus, a French aerospace manufacturer, rather than Boeing.

I told the Machinists the very same message that many of you have told me: Washington is behind Boeing and its employees 100 percent.

We know that Boeing produces the best aircraft in the world. We know that its workers are the foundations of our communities and national security. And we know that the decision of the Federal Government was wrong.

We need the good-paying jobs in our country now more than ever. Our tax dollars should be invested in national defense here at home.

Our Federal Government must do what’s best for our national security, best for tax payers, best the environment and best for the U.S.A.

The $40 billion contract should be awarded to the Boeing Company.

I fully support Boeing’s objection to the Air Force’s decision and will continue to demand answers. And I am ready to help any way I can to bring these jobs – your jobs – to Washington where they belong.

Sincerely,

Governor Chris Gregoire

P.S. I want to thank the attendees of the event who took the time to speak with me. Whether you were there or not, don’t forget to tell me your story.