Is the Fix Really In?

The base closure story I blogged about last week is hitting the local media now. The SJ-R has this AP story on it this morning. There's nothing too new from last week; Springfield's 183rd Fighter Wing may be on the base closing chopping block. However, I was struck by this:

Lawmakers and community leaders contend the state's bases pass the Pentagon's survival test, with guidelines heavy on military value that also weigh cost-saving potential against adverse economic impact on states and cities.

Even if one of the bases is targeted, they say Illinois has an ace in the hole on the nine-member commission that will review the Pentagon's recommendations and forward a final report to President Bush. Sam Skinner, a Chicago native who was chief of staff and transportation secretary under Bush's father, was among two panel members recommended by House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill.

Does anyone really believe Skinner is going to play favorites here? If that's our "ace in the hole" then maybe it's time to worry. I don't think Skinner, or anyone else on the commission, is going to stick their neck out for a (relatively) small-time operation like the 183rd. I think these "lawmakers and community leaders" are whistling past the graveyard. My guess is, if the reporter had bothered to ask Skinner, I'm sure he would deny bringing any favoritism to the commission.