RICHMOND
Vice President Dick Cheney urged state Republican activists on Friday evening to promote the Bush administration's policies during campaigns for this fall's presidential and congressional elections.
"Our strategy in Iraq and the surge operation that began more than a year ago is succeeding," Cheney told about 450 party loyalists attending a fundraising dinner.
"The only way we lose this fight is to quit," he said. "That would be an act of betrayal and dishonor, and it's not going to happen on our watch."
The dinner capped a quiet opening day of the GOP's two-day state convention.
More than 4,000 activists from across Virginia are expected to flock to the convention today to choose the party's nominee this fall for the U.S. Senate.
Former Gov. Jim Gilmore is widely expected to win the bid over Del. Bob Marshall of Prince William County.
The GOP nominee will face an uphill race this fall against former Gov. Mark Warner, who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination.
At stake is the Senate seat that Republican John Warner - no relation to Mark Warner - has held since 1979. The incumbent announced last year that he would not seek re-election.
Cheney received a rousing reception at the $150-a-plate dinner at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. He lauded John Warner as "a superb U.S. senator."
"The only proper way to replace him is with a new Republican," Cheney added.
During his 17-minute speech, he praised Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, and made no reference to the two candidates vying for the Democratic banner: Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton.
He said the Bush policies have protected the nation against terrorism. "The fact that we have gone more than 6-1/2 years without another
9/11 is not an accident - it's an achievement," he said.
Cheney noted that a series of Bush-inspired tax cuts are slated to expire in 2011 and said they can be protected only with the election of Republicans to Congress and the White House.
He called for increased domestic drilling for oil and gas, including 50 miles off Virginia's coast.
"The plain truth is we can produce a lot more energy in America, and we can do it in environmentally friendly ways," Cheney said.
Warren Fiske, (804) 697-1565, warren.fiske@pilotonline.com
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"He called for increased
"He called for increased domestic drilling for oil and gas, including 50 miles off Virginia's coast." "The plain truth is we can produce a lot more energy in America, and we can do it in environmentally friendly ways," Cheney said.
I bet I know which company would get that contract. The same company that also has office quarters in NOVA... My former employer and his... give up? KBR or Halliburton!
But, if we can produce our own energy, then why aren't we? Why are we still dependent on ME oil? Is it going to take consumers to refuse to drive and truckers to refuse to haul cargo from one side of the country to the other for these goons to really get the message that we've been screaming loud and clear already?
One thing for sure
One thing for sure Thelma Drake was there, jumping up and down and screaming....YEAH CHENEY! Pathetic!
Cheney...shut the heck up...
I hate when oil tycoons think their important, especially ones who bought their way into public office and then brainwash their cronies into believing that their war philosophy is working. "Stay on board, and you'll get rich, just like me!!!!"
CHeney served his country alright. Served us his oil and got us into this economic mess we're in. Yup...it's the economy, stupid!
Congress
I'm not a big fan of neither Dems nor Republicans, and I don't really care for Bush/Cheney either, but what about holding Congress accountable? Isn't the Congress supposed to be the check and balance on the President, instead of the President's b!tch? I blame all the morons on the Hill... they all need to be flushed out...
The Buck
The buck never did stop with Bush or Cheney.
Bush's strategy for Iraq war
What credibility does Cheney have on the war in Iraq? After all, in John McCain's own words, Cheney is just another one "who did not feel it was his responsibility to serve our country in uniform."
The only strategy Cheney and Bush have for Iraq is to run out the clock and pass their losing war on to Bush's successor, not matter what party the next Prez belongs to
Cheney should be impeached
What a conniving liar this guy is. After eight years of having the Bush dummy on his knee, I hope this nation has learned what a scum Cheney is.
The whole administration will go down as the most corrupt in American history. Think of all the fine men and women who have given their lives for our country in Bush and Cheney's unjustified war with Iraq. When people waste the lives of heroes and patriots like these fine soldiers, they should face trial and punishment.
RonnieW
from "The One Percent Doctrine: Deep Inside America's Pursuit of Its Enemies Since 9/11 (Simon & Schuster, June 2006)", investigative reporter Ron Suskind....
What does it say about the Bush administration's decision to go to war in Iraq that Al Qaeda vocally encouraged the invasion in early 2003?
Shortly before the 2004 presidential election, a videotape of Bin Laden vehemently criticizing Bush surfaced and was broadcast across the globe. According to Suskind, CIA analysts agreed that "bin Laden's message was clearly designed to assist the President's reelection." (Pages 335-336)
ronniew
First off I resent being called a fool. Being a little more polite about your point is a lot more effective, than the typical name calling. What amazes me is there are still people out that that think this war of lies, Bush and Cheney have an credibility at all. As far as "Change" Obama will never accomplish the change he thinks he can and if I had my way Hillary Clinton would be the nominee. But speaking of change again, this country needs a major change to overcome the damage Bush has done. McBush is not the answer. He's nothing but another hothead arrogant Bush, and a third term of Bush is totally wrong for this country.
No republican in their right
No republican in their right mind would back the Bush administration. He started a war based on lies, stayed on vacation while New Orleans was flooded and outed a CIA operative. Not to say that 9/11 happened on his shift. I can't wait to read Scottie's book. Time to Vote for a change.
Cheney has to be kidding
"Our strategy in Iraq and the surge operation that began more than a year ago is succeeding," Cheney told about 450 party loyalists attending a fundraising dinner.
"The only way we lose this fight is to quit," he said. "That would be an act of betrayal and dishonor, and it's not going to happen on our watch."
It is for that very reason Cheney talks about that a Democrat will win the Presidental election and almost every other election. No more war of lies, we havd had enought. No more arrogant Republicans in the White House, we have had enough.
The list could go on and on.