(FORTUNE Magazine) – A public offering might bring more money for Consolidated Rail Corporation, the government-owned freight railroad, but Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole wants to sell out to one of three corporate bidders for $1.2 billion (FORTUNE, February 18). Her choice: Norfolk Southern Corp., one of the most profitable railroad holding companies in the U.S. The competition is writhing. ''The effect is to create a colossus that will strangle other railroads in the region,'' says John Snow, an executive vice president of CSX. Congress will evaluate that charge as well as any objections by labor unions, shippers, and unsuccessful bidders before it allows Norfolk Southern and Conrail out of the station.