Cheney returns to stump for party

Montana is not typically a must-see whistle-stop for national campaigns, but 2006 has turned into a crucial off-year election for embattled Republicans worried about losing their grip on Congress.

So locals shouldn't be too surprised to learn Vice President Dick Cheney planned a return trip to the Flathead less than a week before election day.

The goal was to stump for GOP candidates — particularly Sen. Conrad Burns, who is either in a dead heat with or lagging behind his Democratic opponent, Jon Tester, and Rep. Denny Rehberg, who is most likely ahead of his Democratic opponent, Monica Lindeen.

Eleven weeks ago, Cheney raced across the valley in his black limousine from Air Force Two to a fund-raising dinner at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. About 160 people paid $250 apiece for lunch and the chance to hear the vice president speak, raising $40,000 for Sen. Burns' re-election campaign.

About 125 protesters with hand-held signs gathered along Wisconsin Avenue at the Stumptown Ice Den as Cheney passed by, raising a wide range of issues, from the war in Iraq to global warming and the nation's energy policy.

About two hours after he arrived in the Flathead, Cheney's motorcade was speeding through downtown Whitefish on its way back to the airport.

Five days later, concerned about the cost to city taxpayers for providing security during Cheney's visit, the Whitefish City Council directed city staff to break out those costs so a bill could be sent to either the vice president or Sen. Burns. Some councilors wanted to know why Cheney didn't stop and talk to the valley's residents.

This time, things will be different, according to plans available at presstime. The public was invited to attend the campaign event at the Majestic Valley Arena on Nov. 1 at 4:30 p.m., and tickets were required, but they were free.

Also according to plans available at presstime, President George Bush planned to appear at a campaign event in Billings on Nov. 2 (today).