McCain's presidential rival, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), also weighed in. He said in a statement that the competition "must be reopened to ensure a fair and transparent process that fully considers the needs of America's military and our workforce."
The decision was issued under a protective order. But the GAO has asked the parties involved to identify sensitive material so it can quickly release a public version of its decision.
"While I respect the process for appealing the Air Force's decision, I am very disappointed to hear the tanker acquisition process may be further delayed," Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, commander of the Air Mobility Command, said in a statement.
It's important, he said, that we get "this critical asset in the hands of our war fighters. Without a new tanker, this capability -- and our nation's ability to project power and humanitarian assistance in the future -- is in significant jeopardy."
--
peter.pae@latimes.com
amadhani@tribune.com
Pae reported from Southern California, and Chicago Tribune reporter Madhani from Washington. Times staff writer Peter Speigel and the Tribune's Julie Johnsson contributed to this report.
