Phoenix business leader blames Arizona congressional group for loss of Lockheed

PHOENIX — The head of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council blamed Arizona’s congressional delegation for the impending departure of Lockheed Martin from the Valley.

The Maryland-based defense contractor announced Thursday it was closing the doors of its Goodyear plant by early 2015. The facility has about 600 employees.

Barry Broome said that other than Sen. John McCain, the state’s contingent of political leaders in Washington didn’t do enough to fight the sequester of across-the-board government cuts. The defense industry was hit hard by the cuts that went into effect March 1.

“There’s not much GPEC or Goodyear can do when the delegation puts you in an uphill battle,” said Broome, who added he’s spent two years pushing the group on the issue.

The members include Sen. Jeff Flake and Reps. Paul Gosar, David Schweikert, Ed Pastor, Trent Franks and Raul Grijalva.

Lockheed bought the plant from Goodyear Aerospace in 1993.