RELEASE: Space Misses the Boat

This just in...

Dailey Supports Efforts to Save the Historic Delta Queen

(Mt. Vernon) – Former State Agriculture Director and candidate for Congress in Ohio's 18th District Fred Dailey signaled his support for efforts to save the historic Delta Queen cruise liner.

On April 24th, Congressman Space and 207 other Federal legislators voted to end the Delta Queen exemption to the Safety at Sea Act. Since 1968, the Delta Queen had been given nine such exemptions by both Democrat and Republican controlled Congresses.

"The Delta Queen is a national treasure that has been cruising up and down the Ohio River for many decades," Fred Dailey said.

The Delta Queen was built in 1926 and the Department of the Interior declared it a National Historic Landmark in 1970. Currently, the Delta Queen is the only wooden superstructure cruise vessel still in operation.

"Beyond it's historical value, the Delta Queen brings much needed jobs and tourism revenue to economically challenged Southeast Ohio" Fred Dailey stated. "I am glad that members of the Ohio General Assembly have seen the need to save our history, our jobs, and another draw to our great state and I applaud their efforts."

The Delta Queen employs 120 people along with hundreds of jobs in the 10 port cities along the Ohio River. Delta Queen cruisers also spend tens of thousands of dollars as they see the sights along the cruise route.

Many reasons have been cited for the Delta Queen vote but the most prevalent reason seems to be that the cruise liner is a non-union vessel.

Dailey concluded his remarks by saying, "I can assure you that I won't be voting in favor of powerful special interest groups over the clear benefits of our region and Ohio as a whole."

Wow...nearly a month has gone by since this vote was taken...is this what they call "rapid response" in OH-18???