read that Chet Edwards (our US House District 17) has gotten L-3 a contract for $136 Million dollars to make more navy surveillance planes. We've pointed out here the L-3 is a large contributor to Edwards campaign. I'm glad, on the one hand, to see the local area economy with jobs-on the other hand, do places of work like this provide an incentive to stop wars?

The work of L-3 Communications is important to our national security, and plays a vital role in bolstering Waco’s economy,” said U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, in announcing the contract. “At a time when the national economy is struggling, the P-3 contract for L-3 means increased economic development and quality jobs in Central Texas.”

L-3 spokesman Lance Martin said the $136 million for 2009 represents a continuation of an existing contract with the Navy.”

He said contracts such as these help keep L-3’s local employment level stable. Despite economic hard times, L-3 has a backlog of work and earlier this month broke ground on a new, $10 million hangar.