"Today’s news that Boeing's 787 second production line may be headed to South Carolina is very troubling. I’ve spoken with Sen. Patty Murray's office this morning. Like most Washingtonians, we both want the second line of the 787 made here in Washington where it belongs.

"I’ve talked with the Machinists, and I know that Washington's economy relies upon the tens of thousands of family wage jobs Boeing brings to the state. And I’ve talked with Boeing, and I know that Boeing relies upon Washington's broad and highly skilled workforce that is the lifeblood of the aerospace industry.

"As I’ve told the Boeing's Commercial Planes Division President and CEO Jim Albaugh, I believe the solution to Boeing’s needs can best be determined locally. The state Legislature has a long track record of working with Boeing on its key issues, including providing billions in tax incentives and, perhaps most importantly, investing in aerospace worker training and apprenticeships.

"I point this out not to say that Boeing should be satisfied with past efforts, but rather to demonstrate our willingness to do all we can to keep Boeing competitive on the global stage. And in the face of steadily greater global competition in the aerospace industry, I believe Boeing and the 787 are positioned most competitively right here in Washington."