SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) -- Both of Louisiana's U.S. Senators say they came away from meetings with Air Force officials this week with optimism about the future of Barksdale Air Force Base in northwestern Louisiana. Democrat Mary Landrieu, who could move into influential committee posts in the coming years, says Barksdale is wellpositioned to be chosen as host of the Air Force Global StrikeCommand.
Republican David Vitter says he met with Secretary of the Air Force Mike Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. He said the meeting went well and he, too, is optimistic about Barksdale's prospects.