Washington, New York woo Delta headquarters amid NRA-tax break fight

As a fight over a Delta tax break and the NRA rages on in Georgia, other parts of the country see opportunity.

New York's governor and lieutenant governor and Birmingham's mayor have swooped in with tweets wooing Delta's headquarters.

Washington’s lieutenant governor, Virginia’s governor and the mayors of Kansas City and Minneapolis tweeted welcome messages to Delta, and an Ohio Congressman wrote a letter of invitation to Delta’s CEO.

.@Delta, if Georgia politicians disagree with your stand against gun violence, we invite you to move your headquarters to New York. https://t.co/BHvyPECWSe
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) February 27, 2018

.@Delta, as one of your most frequent flyers, know that the NY LG admires your principled stance. Let’s continue our great relationship. NY is open for business & ❤'s Delta – move HQ to where you’re appreciated? https://t.co/AZ8xeC0geo
— Kathy Hochul (@LtGovHochulNY) February 26, 2018

Hey @Delta . You know, in mathematics, Delta represents the change in something, e.g. 🔺HQ. Let’s chat. #BHM
— Randall Woodfin (@randallwoodfin) February 27, 2018

Hey @delta—Virginia is for lovers and airline hubs. You're welcome here any time. https://t.co/BxxnOhEpt6
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) February 27, 2018

Washington state’s lieutenant governor noted that Delta is among other businesses that broke ties with the NRA:

With all due respect to my fellow LG from Georgia, I'd like to thank @Delta for joining the many companies that have ended their partnerships with the NRA, and let them know that they are certainly welcome in our state. https://t.co/lT03MiqXHw
— Cyrus Habib (@cyrushabib) February 27, 2018

The mayor of Kansas City touted a new airport:

Hey @Delta! We are building a new airport. Ready November 2021. Wanna talk? We are ready to listen. Think about the savings of being in the middle of the country?sounds good doesn’t it?
— Sly James (Former Mayor) (@MayorSlyJames) February 27, 2018

The mayor of Minneapolis welcomed Delta with a pun-filled tweet:

Hey, @Delta - These are turbulent times. And I know that navigating them can be tough. So maybe you want to check into a city that DOESN'T cater to the @NRA. I 'll bet that you won't want to leave. https://t.co/LL1RKLMj1E
— Jacob Frey (@Jacob_Frey) February 27, 2018

Their comments come after Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle on Monday said he would halt plans for a $50 million jet fuel sales tax exemption if Delta didn't reinstate a discount for NRA members that it discontinued over the weekend.

I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA. Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.
— Casey Cagle (@CaseyCagle) February 26, 2018

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, stepped up from tweeting to a press release and letter to Delta’s CEO.

Wasn't kidding! I urge you to consider NEOH—a leader in aeronautics, advanced manufacturing, & tech innovation—for your corp HQ. Given the lack of support from GA lawmakers, I encourage you to explore our region—one that reflects your corporate character.https://t.co/rn9iKTLfJx
— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) February 27, 2018

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AJC Business reporter Kelly Yamanouchi keeps you updated on the latest news about Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Delta Air Lines and the airline industry in metro Atlanta and beyond. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:

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