Companies seek pension relief from Congress Nov 12, 2008
Defense contractors like and have reported big losses to their funds, and some Wall Street analysts warn defense firms face up to 25 percent underfunding because of the market woes. Steel companies, already hammered by a free fall in steel prices, face similar shortfalls, with an analyst predicting last week that Corp. could face a $2. (Boston Globe)
Businesses lobby to relax pension obligations Nov 12, 2008
Defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp. have reported big losses to their funds, and some Wall street analysts warn defense firms face as much as 25 percent underfunding because of the market woes. CONTINUED 1. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Post a comment » Nov 12, 2008
Dandy Dan wrote on Nov 30, 2007 5:42 PM:" It seems that some of the ex/military people feel that only ex/military people should be able to comment on this topic. Quotes like "earned your right to speak" and "put up or shut up". Well I havent served, but I will continue to type my thoughts. Dont like it - dont read it. The citizens are funding the war and have every right to speak. I want the troops back, then I read the idea that I should "pick up a rifle and go replace them" perhaps the armed... (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Angry left's dream stops here Nov 11, 2008
The hemorrhage of 12 billion a month or more in Iraq to favored defense contractors like Blackwater is the redistribution of wealth. Incidently that meme got McCain and Moron crushed See election Tuesday, November 4, 2008 where morons at Fox couldn t bring theemselves to announce Obama was going to win with anything but an aerial camera shot of the set how f*cking cowardly and bizarre. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Maryland near top in defense spending Nov 11, 2008
Anne Arundel County officials said the strong presence of defense contractors such as (NYSE: NOC), (NYSE: CSC) and near the state s government offices helped. The defense industry is a key driver for the Anne Arundel County business economy, County Executive John Leopold said in a statement. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Auditors can be easy on defense contractors Nov 10, 2008
The Bechtel episode illustrates how tolerant the agency can be when defense contractors slow the government's access to paper records and databases. There is no way to know how often DCAA withholds payments because it does not keep track. (Boston Globe)
From interim to permanent CEO Nov 9, 2008
With Marine Corps Air Station Yuma expected to be the first to receive the new F-35 and the important role of Yuma Proving Ground in testing technology and weapons used in the Middle East, there is growing demand for facilities for defense contractors. "We're partnering with the airport on that," Engel said. (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
Mutual Funds &Personal Finance Nov 7, 2008
Likely losers could include defense contractors supplying arms, armor and vehicles for Iraq and big integrated oil exploration and production companies. A key wild card will be money. (Investors Business Daily)
> Government contractors now in defensive posture Nov 7, 2008
Northern Virginia is dotted with defense contractors, large and small, and many have profited immensely with years of double-digit contracting growth under the Bush administration after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. But today they are bracing for expected cuts in defense spending, as a Democratic-controlled White House and Congress shift priorities to domestic programs, and President-elect Barack Obama comes into office with a campaign promise to cut federal contracting by at least 10 percent. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Apple's Homemade Chips Nov 6, 2008
PA Semi reportedly is already supplying its power-efficient chips to a range of defense contractors that balked when Apple signaled it would stop producing PA Semi's chips. To be sure. (Forbes -- Technology)
Change for contractors Nov 6, 2008
Arizona defense contractors aren't likely to see a large-scale decrease in military spending under a Barack Obama administration, but it won't be business as usual. Arizona companies prospered by the military ramp-up of the Bush administration that brought the state more than $9 billion a year in new defense business. (AZCentral -- Business)
Caterpillar, WellPoint May Be Winners, Delta, Pfizer Losers Under Obama Nov 6, 2008
Updated: New York, Nov 06 03:52 London, Nov 06 08:52 Tokyo, Nov 06 17:52. Caterpillar, WellPoint May Win, Delta, Pfizer Lose Under Obama. (Bloomberg)
Weak economy a priority Nov 6, 2008
On the other hand, Obama's pledge to withdraw from Iraq and reduce the U.S. military presence could hurt defense contractors, Lau said. Retailers could suffer if Obama succeeds in encouraging unions or raising the minimum wage. (AZCentral -- News)
How Stock Sectors Could Fare in an Obama Administration Nov 5, 2008
U.S. defense contractors thrive as well during Democratic administrations, if not better, than in Republican ones, and the likely election of Obama as president offers no hint of being an exception. 1. (ABC News -- Wire)
Incumbents Lead Congressional District Races Nov 5, 2008
Randy "Duke" Cunningham, who is serving an eight-year prison term for taking bribes from defense contractors. He declined to discuss the early results in his race, but commented on the Democratic victory nationally. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Musgrove-Wicker: A brawl like no other Nov 4, 2008
He said Wicker has gotten Congress to hand out federal funds in the dark of night to defense contractors that donate money to his election campaign. I will fight for projects for Mississippi every day in the Senate through the regular appropriations process but I will not do the lobbyists bidding, Musgrove said. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Health care, defense poised to weather recession Nov 4, 2008
Food and consumer staples While health insurers and defense contractors are subject to policy changes in Washington, other sectors are more stable. Food companies such as Kraft Foods Inc. and Kellogg Co. tend to perform fairly consistently, even during tough times, which is why their stocks are holding up well, analysts say. (Rensselaer Republican, IN)
LETTERS: NCT, Nov. 3, 2008 Nov 4, 2008
You Republicans are redistributing more wealth that all Democrats put together, only you are taking from the poor and middle class and bailing out the rich, the CEO's, the defense contractors and the Bush/McCain oil cronies and those in Alaska who own their oil "collective" to "share the wealth" under Republican policies. Republicans are the real socialists. (North County Times)
Clinton, Murtha join to sing praise of pork Nov 4, 2008
Mr. Clinton said Mr. Murtha's earmarks have gone into important research into breast cancer and brain injuries, as well as high-tech plants underwritten by the government and, on some occasions, built by defense contractors. "I know what it's like to be bulldozed, to have people forget about you," Mr. Clinton said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Election to benefit some industries, harm others Nov 4, 2008
Seen your credit card limit cut. Been turned down for an auto loan. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Letters urge early release for 'Duke' Nov 3, 2008
4 million in bribes from defense contractors during his years in Washington. The letter writers agree Cunningham deserves to be punished. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
The next president and the 'war on terror' Nov 1, 2008
To defense contractors, lobbyists, think-tankers, ambitious military officers, the hosts of Sunday morning talk shows, and the Douglas Feith-like creatures who maneuver to become players in the ultimate power game, the "war on terror" is a boon, an enterprise redolent with opportunity and promising to. extend decades into the future. (Asia Times Online)
ABCNEWS: Obama's New Attack on Those Who Don't Want Higher Taxes: 'Selfishness'... Nov 1, 2008
Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior National Correspondent Jake Tapper. is ABC News' Senior National Correspondent based in the network's Washington bureau. (The Drudge Report)
Obama Beats McCain in Defense Contributions Nov 1, 2008
But like most industries, defense contractors like There is also scant difference between the two candidates on major Pentagon contracts ... "Defense contractors know that contributions lead to access, and that access can lead to government contracts." And they're going to keep coming if Obama wins Tuesday. (Time.com)
Click here to read more. Oct 30, 2008
Because of its proximity to the seat of government, its numerous military bases and other factors, Virginia has been a magnet for defense contractors, Fuller says. Many area workers commute to jobs at the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir and a host of other defense jobs in Northern Virginia. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Letters: Retired military officer supports Barack Obama Oct 30, 2008
Since I used to work with defense contractors, I understand their goal is the bottom line. This is not a time to exacerbate world tensions or take simplistic actions without a full understanding of complexities in conflicts. (Daily Triplicate)
FCC Probe Signals Democratic Attack Machine Oct 30, 2008
Some analysts also work for defense contractors who produce weapons systems used in the war. There were suggestions in the Times article that analysts pitched those systems during TV appearances. (Human Events Online)
'Sassy' Elisabeth Hasselbeck believes in Maverick Sarah Palin Oct 29, 2008
the gop is sending their money to individuals (defense contractors, their freinds, themselves) and iraq. If anyone is fighting for american ideals/values it's obama. (Entertainment Weekly)
Grandis Awarded Prestigious DARPA Contract By Department of Defense to Develop STT-RAM (Spin Transfer Torque Random Access Memory) Oct 29, 2008
"Grandis and its partners are committed to making STT-RAM technology available to DARPA's defense contractors, and believe that this program will provide leading-edge innovations that strengthen U.S. leadership in this critical technology." "The goal of this program is to deliver dense, high-performance, cost-effective universal memory chips employing STT technology," explained Dr. Devanand Shenoy, program manager in DARPA's Microsystems Technology Office. "Demanding specifications must be met... (PR Newswire)
Booz Allen to expand office, staff Oct 29, 2008
-based Booz Allen Hamilton is one of the largest defense contractors in the country, specializing in research, intelligence and contract management ... The steady expansion places Booz Allen Hamilton, which has 15,500 national employees, squarely in the middle of national defense contractors presences in the Dayton region. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Palin talks taxes in Des Moines Oct 27, 2008
iaisgreat wrote on Oct 26, 2008 2:05 PM:" The GOP has become the party of Hate and Intolerance.Anyone who disagrees with the likes of McCain or Palin or Michele Bachmann or the Republican Theocrats is apparently un-American and un-Christian. Someone should tell the 50% of our servicemen and servicewoman who vote democratic and would take a bullet for our flag and our right to free speech and our right to worship however we choose that they are really un-American. And now apparently Colin Powell... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Column: The military-industrial side of Northeastern Oct 27, 2008
Defense contractors provide good jobs. The person who wrote this is an idiot. (Northeastern News, MA)
BRAC boost on the bubble Oct 27, 2008
The president of LLC of Beltsville, Armstrong has received approval from Anne Arundel County to start construction on a 150,000-square-foot office building being marketed to defense contractors at Fort George G. Meade. The only problem: The defense contractors aren t biting yet, and the shaky economy has prompted many banks to shy away from financing new commercial buildings that don t have any signed tenants ... The bigger bounce is expected to come not from those jobs but rather from the... (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Rich-Poor Gap Widens in Europe, North America Oct 25, 2008
It should fall to the working classes to pay for multi-trillion dollar wars that line the pockets of oil companies and defense contractors. The working poor should pay for the billion dollar profits of health care providers and pharmaceutical companies, rather than eliminating the charlatans opportunity to profit from it and spreading and thus lowering the cost of it for all of society. (Washington Post)
Tech conference draws 2,500 Oct 25, 2008
The annual event offered communications and electronics defense contractors a chance to listen to senior Air Force leaders about future business trends, featured recruiting and training events and featured 150 booths with industry and government displays and demonstrations of emerging information technologies. The event collimated with a capstone speech by U.S. Air Force Gen. Bruce Carlson, who retires as the commander of , headquartered at , at the end of the year. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Palin's $150,000 wardrobe upgrade Oct 23, 2008
Reminds me of the $15,000 toilet seats we taxpayers used to buy from the defense contractors. By GodHatesTrash. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Re-elect Chris Murphy in the 5th Oct 23, 2008
He told this newspaper, "I don't think there would have been an outside ethics panel that now has the power to investigate members of Congress if I hadn't advocated for it. I led a mini-rebellion of freshmen congressmen to require defense contractors to publicly disclose their profits," an action that will rein in such companies as Blackwater Security. While we admire Capiello's integrity, we feel Murphy has demonstrated an independent spirit, along with a willingness to work with others in... (New Britain Herald, CT)
You may not like Obama's tax plan, but it's not socialism Oct 22, 2008
"Socialism involves state ownership of the means of economic production and state-directed sharing of the wealth. America's democratic capitalist system is neither socialist nor pure free market; rather, it mixes the two, and it has at least since the progressive income tax was introduced 95 years ago. Under it, the wealthy pay higher income tax rates than those who are less fortunate do. It's a form of sharing the wealth.Government intervenes in U.S. "free markets" all the time. The deduction... (Anchorage Daily News)
U.S. Senate race has focused on economy, jabs Oct 22, 2008
mnisgreat wrote on Oct 22, 2008 1:12 AM:" Speaking of wealth distribution, I think it is time to STOP the wealth distribution FROM the middle class into the pockets of the top 2%. I don't think any of us asked for triple the price of gas, 80% increases in our health care premiums, or 20% decreases in our home values, or 6.2% unemployment in Minnesota, or $700 billion of our tax paying dollars going to Iraq, or another $700 billion dollars of our tax paying dollars going to Wall Street. This... (Winona Daily News, MN)
On Your Mind: Comments from the community Oct 21, 2008
Dilbert wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:13 PM:" 20% of the workforce works for the government, another 20% depend on the government (Medicare to defense contractors), Who is calling who Socialist ". Vote Republican for Responsive Govt wrote on Oct 20, 2008 6:36 PM:" ooops, Why I am voting Democrat, part 2Im voting Democrat because Im not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies so long as we keep all death row inmates alive. I'm voting Democrat because I believe that people who can't... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Lobbyists try to build good political will with charitable gifts Oct 19, 2008
But together, these defense contractors are donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to the symphony orchestra in Johnstown, Pa. underwriting performances of Mozart and Wagner in this struggling former steel town. (Boston Globe)
Corporations contribute to lawmakers' pet charities Oct 19, 2008
But together, these defense contractors are donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to the symphony orchestra in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, underwriting performances of Mozart and Wagner in this struggling former steel town ... Several of the defense contractors who contributed to the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra said that they had business ties to Western Pennsylvania and wanted to support community programs there. (International Herald Tribune)
U.S. to study possible space-based defense Oct 18, 2008
U.S. defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin Corp, Boeing Co and Northrop Grumman Corp could be big beneficiaries of any decision to move ahead with space-based defenses. Last year, Congress rejected $10 million sought for such a study amid concerns it could lead to "weaponization" of space. (Scientific American)
AGI Announces Okino Computer Graphics as an 'Affiliated Product Partner' and Announces a New Secondary 3D Conversion Pipeline into AGI' Oct 18, 2008
Okino software is used the world over by all major Fortune 1000 companies, 20 of the top 21 defense contractors, the top 15 automotive manufacturers, and tens of thousands of production studios, 3D content creation, game development, CAD, engineering and product design companies (as broken out in the Okino customer user list at ). For more information about Okino, please visit. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
US presidential election could spur defense industry consolidation Oct 18, 2008
Further, the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have allowed defense contractors to pay down the debts incurred during post-Cold War consolidation. Low debt obligations combine with healthy cash flows to make a healthy M&A environment. (FT.com -- Markets)
Xilinx profit falls 9 pct, declares dividend Oct 16, 2008
-based company _ whose biggest customers include defense contractors, Internet networking equipment makers and telecommunications companies _ said after the market closed that net income was $81. 8 million, or 29 cents per share. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Fundraisers linked to corruption cases Oct 16, 2008
Tom Loeffler, a lobbyist whose clients include defense contractors and foreign interests, stepped down as McCain's national finance co-chairman in May. He was one of six McCain campaign workers, fundraisers or advisers who resigned in the wake of a new campaign policy that forbids paid staffers from working as lobbyists and bans volunteers from working for independent groups seeking to influence the presidential race. (USA Today)
A barrier to defense work" Oct 15, 2008
The best way to get in the door, officials said, is to network with defense contractors, and find a way to become an asset or provide a service the contractor needs to do its job for the government. Chuck Landreville, a vice president at Miamisburg-based , said the Dayton business community needs to understand clearances are a barrier to entry. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Defense Industry Faces Downturn Oct 15, 2008
WASHINGTON There are few industries whose fortunes are so closely tied to government as defense contractors, companies that now provide the military with everything from fighter jets to janitors. And for the past eight years, business has been very good. (Fox News -- Politics)
ELECTION 2008: Tombstone mayoral candidates focused on tourism, future of city Oct 14, 2008
Employment background: Worked for Department of Defense contractors from 1982 until 2004, retired from Joint Interoperability Test Command on Fort Huachuca as a senior unmanned air vehicle systems analyst. Community affiliations: Four-term commander of Tombstone American Legion, presently, adjutant/service officer. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Post a comment » Oct 14, 2008
Dandy Dan wrote on Nov 30, 2007 5:42 PM:" It seems that some of the ex/military people feel that only ex/military people should be able to comment on this topic. Quotes like "earned your right to speak" and "put up or shut up". Well I havent served, but I will continue to type my thoughts. Dont like it - dont read it. The citizens are funding the war and have every right to speak. I want the troops back, then I read the idea that I should "pick up a rifle and go replace them" perhaps the armed... (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Intimidation by ObamaNation Oct 13, 2008
Barack Hussein Obama could not get into any of our military academies let alone a job with many of your top defense contractors with his resume and character references. Evil always complains that the truth is too negative and does all it can to silence it. (Townhall.com)
5TH DISTRICT: Murphy runs on record of working for solutions Oct 13, 2008
"I don't think there would have been an outside ethics panel that now has the power to investigate members of Congress if I hadn't advocated for it. I led a mini-rebellion of freshmen congressmen to require defense contractors to publicly disclose their amount of profits. Normally a controversial bill like that takes years to be passed.". Murphy got it passed and signed into law by the president. (New Britain Herald, CT)
Civilian Targets Oct 10, 2008
Aware that civilian projects often blow up for defense contractors, the Waltham, Mass ... Defense contractors embrace civilian projects at their own peril ... The three biggest U.S. defense contractors, Lockheed Martin, Boeing (nyse: - - ) and Northrop Grumman, have healthy nonbattlefield revenue streams to buoy them, such as Boeing's commercial aerospace business. (Forbes -- Technology)
Arms sales boon for Ariz. contractors Oct 10, 2008
Such contracts could become increasingly important for Arizona defense contractors due to an expected drop in U.S. defense spending ... Paul Kinsinger, a global business professor at Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, said U.S. defense contractors will be relying more on international sales, given inevitable U.S. defense cutbacks. (AZCentral -- Business)
Full Text Of The Debate Oct 8, 2008
One of them is in defense spending, because I've taken on some of the defense contractors. I saved the taxpayers $6. (CBS News)
LETTERS: NCT, Oct. 6, 2008 Oct 7, 2008
The Bush/McCain international policies have helped the terrorists to escape, while squandering American lives and treasure on a pointless war for the benefit of oil companies and defense contractors. The Bush/McCain policies will do NOTHING to improve health care conditions. (North County Times)
RKS Realty's founder sells his ownership stake Oct 7, 2008
Both Smith and Mottley said the firm also plans to expand its properties to meet the demands of a federal military base realignment plan, which by 2011 is expected to bring about 8,000 workers to the Aberdeen Proving Ground and another 10,000 to 20,000 defense contractors to the area. Smith said there will be a strong demand for office and retail space to support those new workers, and RKS is working to position itself to meet that demand. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Military: Army officials cautious about future funding Oct 7, 2008
The technology was on display at the Association of the United States Army convention, the annual gathering of top Army officials and defense contractors ... It also encompasses a wide range of defense contractors. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
How can Nebraska possibly vote Republican? Oct 5, 2008
" That'll fix those darn rich folk. I guess that kind of thinking makes me a "sheep" though doesn't it?And corn based ethanol is still a scam. do you really think Oct 4, 2008 7:17 AM Now come on...do you really think our vote will count? The 2 put on the pedestal now (mccain-obama) were chosen by the wealthiest 5. We have no choice in the matter, regardless of what you want to believe.The only way us, as individual slaves run by the elite 5, are going to survive, is to be self sufficient.You... (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Taiwan Says $6.5 Billion U.S. Arms Sale Will Maintain Stability With China Oct 4, 2008
Under the foreign military sales program, the Pentagon acts as an agent between defense contractors and foreign buyers. Yesterday's proposal is a notification to Congress. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Country First? Oct 4, 2008
Key McCain fundraiser Thomas Loeffler was also forced out because of his firm s work with defense contractors and foreign governments. One contract with Saudi Arabia earned his company nearly $10 million for smoothing the kingdom s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2005. (The American Conservative)
Action Not Just Words-McCaskill Oct 4, 2008
While a senator, Truman chaired a committee during World War II that made defense contractors accountable for what they were charging the government. Truman saved taxpayers millions of dollars. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Obama Adviser Doesn't Expect Defense Cuts Oct 3, 2008
McCain has a long track record of being tough on defense contractors' waste as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee -- which he highlighted in the debate Sept. 26 -- Sen. Obama hasn't dealt with those issues. (Wall Street Journal)
Psst! Buddy! Wanna Buy an F-16? Oct 3, 2008
If you own other defense contractors, Iraq's ability to buy military hardware on its own suggests that we could see further purchases. The Iraqi military's Air Force is starting to look capable of holding its own, but I'll bet they could still use a few Boeing (NYSE: BA)-built Apaches and Blackhawk helicopters from United Technologies (NYSE: UTX). (MSNBC -- Business)
