The latest on the Tanker Contract Controversy

(MOBILE, Ala.) April 22 -- The fight to keep the Air Force Refueling Tanker contract in Mobile marches on.

The latest development is Mobile community leaders have received the support of Republican presidential hopeful John McCain. He spoke out in favor of the Air Force's choice of Northrop Grumman while on a campaign stop in Thomasville, Alabama on Monday.

Local leaders say it's important to gain as much of that kind of support as possible, because the fight is not over and there is serious concern that Mobile could still lose the tanker contract. That's why the community leaders say it's important for people not to become complacent. It's a fear the local leaders say they're trying to overcome through an aggressive public relations effort.

The Mobile County Commission is spending much of its time and cash to recruit workers and support for the refueling tanker contract. Two websites, "Come Back Home to Mobile" and "Keep Our Tanker," showcase those lobbying efforts.

So far, more than 17, 000 people have signed the online petition, falling well short of the 50,000 signature goal.

Video advertising clips have also been produced. One of those ads has been airing locally, but another on the tanker contract is set to begin showing soon all along the Gulf Coast.

Rallying support isn't cheap. So far, the Mobile County Commission has spent more than $400,000. Mobile County Commission President Steve Nodine says it's money well-spent to counter Boeing's powerful P-R machine. "What we have is a constant barrage of misinformation perpetuated by Congressman Tiahrt and Congressman Dicks from Washington and the powerful unions that seriously get behind their causes."

The Government Accountability Office has until June 19, that's 58 days from the date of this news story being prepared, to make their decision. The GAO could rule parts of the Air Force's bidding process was not done properly, and they could order the Air Force to re-let the bid.