Dems slam port deal in radio address

SAN DIEGO, March 4 (UPI) -- The Democratic Party used its weekly radio address to criticize the Bush administration over port and border security.

The address featured Francine Busby, the Democratic candidate in the April 11 special election to succeed disgraced Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif. Busby noted that the district is home to San Diego -- both a border city and a port city -- and criticized the administration's approval of a deal turning over operation of some U.S. ports to Dubai Ports World, a company based in and owned by the United Arab Emirates.

"This secret deal didn't contain many of the provisions commonly found in other port deals," said Busby. "That may be typical for business as usual in Washington, but it is not in the best interest of our national security."

Busby said the Bush administration has "done little to secure our borders."

"In 2003 and again last year, Republicans in Congress voted against funding for stronger port security," she said. "Last year, Republicans in Congress voted against funding for stronger border security. This record and this new deal with the UAE reflect a perilous pre-9/11 worldview that we can no longer afford."