Invitations sent out for Cheney, Burns visit

The office of Vice President Dick Cheney has confirmed an Aug. 16 appearance in Whitefish to raise funds for Sen. Conrad Burns' re-election campaign.

Invitations for the luncheon event were sent out two weeks ago by the Montana Republican Party in Helena.

Ticket prices for the event are $250 per person to attend a lunch reception with Cheney at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake on Aug. 16.

A person interested in adding a photo opportunity with the Vice President to the luncheon can do so for a price of $2,100, and supporters wishing to go fly fishing with Burns, in addition to the luncheon and photo opportunity with Cheney, will have to pay $5,000.

Noting that the Vice President's schedule can change at a moment's notice, Montana Republican Party executive director Chuck Denowh said he's hopeful Cheney will make the luncheon.

If he doesn't make an appearance, Denowh said the Montana Republican Party will cross that bridge if they come to it.

"That's a difficulty we face whenever we do a fund-raiser," Denowh said. "We always try to make it clear these are invited guests."

Secret Service agents have reportedly made reservations in town surrounding the Aug. 16 date.

Denowh said he wasn't aware of any previous visits by Cheney to the Flathead in support of Republican candidates.

The Cheney visit comes one week before Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, R-Illinois, is scheduled to attend a fund-raiser for Rep. Denny Rehberg at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake on Aug. 23.