In a conference call with reporters, Sen. Sam Brownback said he is working to convince other lawmakers that building a National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility at K-State is a good idea.
Monday, in a leaked draft report, the GAO said the Department of Homeland Security needed to know more about the potential dangers of the facility, where scientists will study foot-and-mouth disease and other pathogens.
Prime Buzz asked Brownback to compare his support for NBAF in Kansas with his strong opposition to bringing Guantanamo detainees to Leavenworth.
"The terrorists out of Guantanamo Bay, they don't fit in the mission of Leavenworth," he said. "The research on these pathogens in Manhattan, Kansas, clearly fits in the research in the region."
He added: "You introduce the Guantanamo detainees into Leavenworth...you hurt the mission of Leavenworth, you hurt the area. You introduce NBAF into the region at K-State...you help the region. You help the area. That's a fundamental difference between these two."
One word explaination: Politics
There is NO practical reason for the two positions.
Brownback sees political advantage in both stands. As a good republican, he's inherently opposed to anything O'Bama proposes, hence the Gitmo closing opposition. By the same token, he can tout jobs and glory with the NBAF move.
And remember, it NBAF goes to Texas it's just that earmark and pork stuff. If it comes to Kansas, it's a wise move.
Keith G. in P.V.