I realize the question is "hypothetical" but , I AM interested in everyone's response:
(and I know this will be "difficult"):

IF there were TWO individuals who had enough "influence ?" to do the MOST to actually save long-distance rail from future elimination , WHO would those two individuals be ?

MY two choices would be Tommy Thompson and Senator Kaye Hutchinson from Texas.

SOMEBODY is going to have to "step up to the plate" and really be willing to FIGHT to save this wonderful "national treasure."

But I would have to say 1. The President of the United States, and 2. the governor of California. Regardless of who occupies these offices, they are in better positions to influence policy than any other individuals.

Among other things the President can appoint pro-rail people to cabinet positions (and Bush has), and he can present a "vision", and propose specific policies that will get everyone's attention, to get the ball rolling (but Bush hasn't).

The Governor of California oversees a state that often sets trends for the rest of the nation. Gray Davis has done a great deal to help promote rail, and he has recently proposed a 10 (or is it 20) year funding plan. He also appointed the first transportation director ever who has a background in mass transit instead of highway engineering. If California, land of the freeway and home of the drive, can get people out of their cars and onto trains(and we have) then any state can.

As for individuals in Washington, I would say Kay Baily Hutchison and Trent Lott. None of Amtrak's critics will listen to any Democrats, but maybe they'll listen to their fellow Republicans.

As for McCain's opposition to Amtrak, I believe it is Amtrak's financial difficulties and not the lack of service to Phoenix that concerns him. I just don't think he sees Amtrak as being "relevant".

Of course most of us here know that the playing field for transportation infrastructure in this country is way out of whack, and until things are leveled out, we will never know whether rail can compete on its own.

The problem with train travel is that, on the basis of profitability, it is not viable anywhere, including the NEC and California corridor. We are of the mind-set that AMTRAK (or its successor) must make money to survive,. and as long as we have this mind-set, the trains will die a slow death.

He is a fresman senator but is making quite a name for himself, even being mentioned as a democratic presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, for those who don't know, the State of North Carolina is a huge supporter of Amtrak. In fact the state owns two of their own trains called "The Carolinian" and "The Piedmont". Both of these use the new FP59A locomotive. In addition, the state has set aside funds for a project which will renovate some rails and railbed from Salisbury to Asheville in the mountains, which would lead to new Amtrak service to Asheville, which was the most requested destination according to a recent Amtrak survey of it's passengers.

In addition, Dolly Parton of Dollywood fame, has requested that North Carolina, Amtrak and the State of Tennessee, consider extending that new line from Asheville, to Pigeon Forge (home of Dollywood) and a huge tourist mecca in the Smoky Mountains. She and the Siever county officials of Tennessee, have even offered to PAY FOR 50% OF THAT LINE!

Maybe I should also nominate Dolly Parton!

Anyway, I sure hope that railroad passenger service is saved as well as the freight lines. Too much traffic on the nations highways at this time.

Long-distance passenger-rail service is a NATIONAL TREASURE , in my opinion. Just think how much influence it had on the expansion of our country back , early on !

Long-distance rail-travel is such a "passion" of mine that I can hardly bear the thought of its eminent elimination---because let's be honest , if any passenger-rail DOES survive it will only be in the form of short "commuter" corridors.

What really distresses me is that there are literally thousands of individuals in this country who HAVE used Amtrak for long-distance trips , and have REALLY enjoyed it , BUT do not realize that Amtrak's future is VERY uncertain. Thus, these individuals do not express there feelings to Congress.

Perhaps when Congress really DOES "liquidate" Amtrak (perish the thought), more supporters will "step-up" and let Congress know it is needed and appreciated. But by then , it will probably be too late.

I have met SO many people during my trips who LOVE there rail experience , yet are "aghast" when I tell them the FACTS about how little Congress really supports Amtrak. They simply PRESUME that Amtrak will always be available as a travel option.

I am sure his wife was on the Sunset Limited when it derailed in Sealy Texas about a year before the election. I remember hearing Cindy McCain wife of so and so senator.

I may be worng, but I remember when McCain was in the primary thinking "oh so that is who's wife was on the train".