http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=1072

Let's see: 50,000 red state jobs at stake, public opposition to manned Mars flight at 60%, environmental concerns still unresolved, economy and federal budget in a mess.

In addition, the new Thiokol launchers would present a threat to the market share of the existing EELV manufacturers.

Finally, even if they got the money, the SpaceX numbers look astoundingly good, and their system could be finished for a fraction of the Thiokol cost. Thankfully major outside money is not needed.

But watch out for Thiokol to try to trash existing contracts. Remember the rescheduling at Vandenburg.

Looks like a lot of log rolling, if its possible at all. Looks to me like the current architecture is crashing, on its way to burning.

Griffin is in for the ride of his life.