Which Presidential Candidate Is Good For GA?

As the field of presidential hopefuls gets smaller, the frenzy and political buzz really starts to kick in. So, we thought this would a good time to pose our new survey question on the ANN homepage. The new question asks:

"Which Presidential Candidate Stands To Help Aviation The Most?"

• George Bush
• John Kerry
• Ralph Nader
• None of them really has any bearing on aviation's fortunes

So far, Kerry has clinched support from two major aviation groups: PATCO and NATCA. On Wednesday, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) gave its full support to Sen. John Kerry's presidential campaign, declaring Senator Kerry as the candidate "who will ensure that the safety of the flying public never takes a back seat to political ideology or special interests." NATCA President John Carr added, "Air traffic controllers are both Republicans and Democrats, but when it comes to aviation safety, we support any elected official who is truly committed to making sure the flying public comes first."

The Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO), has also endorsed Sen. Kerry. President Ron Taylor says PATCO believes that as President, John Kerry will take the necessary action to "correct the problems of the air traffic control system that have been severely ignored by the Bush Administration." In an exclusive interview with ANN, Taylor said, "The Bush Administration has robbed aviation funding dollars that were supposed to have been used specifically to improve aviation technology," I think (Bush) is anti-aviation."

Chief among PATCO's beefs with the Bush administration is the fight to privatize more than 60 control towers around the country. "President Bush has led a more serious effort to do this," Taylor said. "It's the old switch-and-bait. They promise better service, but put private contractors in the towers. Bad business has taken place there."

So, do these endorsements mean Bush is out of the picture when it comes from gaining support from the aviation community? It doesn't appear so. As of our news deadline, ANN's survey showed about 55 percent of our respondents felt President bush was the best person to support aviation, with only 17 percent of votes going towards Kerry's corner. Ralph Nader didn't get any votes, while just over 27 percent of those responding to the survey felt none of the candidates listed have any bearing on aviation's fortunes.

So, while the presidential race has only begun, it appears some members of the aviation community have already picked their winner. Be counted... look down on the lower righthadn side of the page and be sure to add your opinion to the current survey!

FMI: www.aero-news.net