On the GAO decision to uphold Boeing appeal to Air Force's award of lucrative contract for aerial refueling tankers to Northrop Grumman Corp.

CHICAGO - "We are pleased that the Government Accountability Office has announced that it supports Boeing's protest over the Air Force's decision to award its KC-X Aerial Refueling Tanker Aircraft to Northrop Grumman. As a company headquartered in Illinois, I have been actively supporting Boeing's protest since the Air Force's decision was made. In fact, just this week, I joined four other Governors in writing to the GAO to encourage a thorough review of the contract-awarding process. I am glad that our concerns were heard and acted upon quickly. I hope that as the Air Force reopens discussions on this contract, they will thoroughly re-examine their decision-making process. GAO's announcement is good news for Illinois, our economy and our workers."