Oberstar vows to fight NWA mergers by Greg Vandegrift Appearing in Kare-11 NEWS on 2008-02-09. Northwest and Delta are reportedly inching closer to a merger deal. And as a result, it appears they're closing in on a showdown in Washington, D.C. On Friday, via satellite, Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar (D) told KARE 11, "We will do everything we possibly can to stop this from happening." A Delta - Northwest merger would create the largest U.S. air carrier. And Oberstar says it would cause merger dominos, would hurt MSP International's competition and would raise fares. "Beware of the Ides of March if this thing happens and the two carriers announce a consolidation and it is not stopped by the Justice Department. Prepare to dig deeply," warns Oberstar. If a deal's reached, the Congressman plans to hold hearings. He also wants the Justice and Transportation Departments to review the deal. Northwest CEO Doug Steenland sent an email to employees on Wednesday, saying he considered consolidation "likely at some point." Analysts believe the merger announcement is just days away.

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