WASHINGTON – All eyes are on Sen. Hillary Clinton as a federal commission mulls the fate of two upstate military bases – and nearly 3,000 Empire State jobs.
Clinton has expended a substantial amount of political capital lobbying commission members to save the Niagara Air National Guard base and a cross-service administrative and monitoring post in Rome. The Pentagon wants both closed.
Clinton and her aides acknowledge the commission’s decision presents a test of her political clout and skill.
The Pentagon wants to shutter the Niagara facility and move its eight C-130 cargo planes to a new hub in Little Rock, Ark.
Clinton has tried to convince panel members that the Arkansas hub is cost prohibitive, with projected expenses soaring to nearly $300 million, almost triple initial estimates.
She’s also argued that the Rome site can be easily expanded to take on a bigger military role.
The Base Realignment and Closure commission, is expected to reach a decision by the weekend, and possibly as soon as today.