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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Lott says he’s not done with bases

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., a staunch supporter of military facilities in his state, said Tuesday he’s not done trying to halt this year’s planned closure of domestic bases even though President Bush thwarted his latest attempt.

“I have options on unrelated issues,” said Lott, issuing a veiled threat to the administration. “Everything in the United States Senate relates to everything else.”

In the Senate, there’s a long tradition of lawmakers delaying a bill or appointment until they get their way on a seemingly unrelated issue.

A longtime foe of shutting down U.S. military bases this year, Lott said “the ultimate chess move” would be getting the Senate to reject the final list of bases to close. The commission charged with helping choose which facilities to shut down to help the Pentagon save money must send the Senate that list this fall.