You’ve all heard the election results by now, but here is the GA spin on Tuesday’s votes. AOPA says 95 percent of the 105 congressional candidates it endorsed won their seats. But the election determines more than who’s in and who’s out. In the Senate, Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens takes over chairmanship of the powerful Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee — which sets policy for the FAA — from Arizona’s John McCain. AOPA’s glad to hear it, since they never could get McCain to sign on to their view regarding user fees. Stevens is “a strong and forceful friend to general aviation,” AOPA said. The loss of Sen. Tom Daschle, a pilot, may be a wash in AOPA’s view, because his successor, John Thune, “has historically been a friend to general aviation.” As for the presidential election, AOPA declined to endorse either candidate, saying that the major decisions affecting AOPA members are decided by Congress.
The (GA) Election Wrap
Key Takeaways:
- AOPA saw 95% of its 105 endorsed congressional candidates win their seats in the election.
- Senator Ted Stevens, described as a "strong and forceful friend to general aviation" and an opponent of user fees, replaced John McCain as chair of the influential Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which sets FAA policy.
- AOPA declined to endorse a presidential candidate, stating that major decisions affecting its members are made by Congress.
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