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August 4, 2002
WASHINGTON -- Seldom seen in Washington, Dick Cheney has become the Republican Party's high-ranking, frequent-flying fundraiser. From Fayetteville to Fargo to Fort Lauderdale, the vice president has quietly hauled in more than $12-million for candidates in 44 stops so far this year.
At most places, there are photos and chats with donors. Pep talks about President Bush's programs. Tough words echoing Bush's about fighting corporate corruption. But no mention of the federal investigation under way into accounting practices at Halliburton Co. while Cheney was in charge -- and no chance for reporters to ask questions.
For months after the Sept. 11 attacks, Cheney was often said to be working or staying at "undisclosed locations" as a security precaution. He still slips in and out of the White House, unseen for days or even weeks, destinations outside Washington sometimes unknown until Air Force Two lands.
Spokeswoman Jennifer Millerwise says Cheney's office does not announce travel that involves national security.
Political trips are another matter, though still tightly controlled.
He hasn't taken questions from reporters in months. Indeed, journalists are generally kept too far away to even try. But the spokeswoman dismisses as "absurd" any suggestion that Cheney shies away from reporters because of the Halliburton matter.
Aides say that unlike many predecessors, Cheney has no aspiration to the presidency, one reason he doesn't court reporters.
The Securities and Exchange Commission began investigating accounting practices of his old company, Halliburton, in May. There are also 15 investor lawsuits, one of which names Cheney as a defendant.
On the fundraising trail, Cheney doesn't shy from the issue of corporate responsibility -- though he doesn't mention his background at Halliburton.
On July 19, he headlined a fundraiser in Houston for Senate candidate John Cornyn at a hotel across the street from bankrupt Enron Corp.
"Be honest and aboveboard in all dealings and truthful in reporting profits and losses," Cheney said. "The foundation of any economy is confidence."
He's working hard to help Republicans keep the House and win the Senate this year. Like former President Bill Clinton, Cheney sometimes wedges multiple fundraisers into a single day.
The GOP and the candidates pay for virtually all of his political travel, spokeswoman Millerwise says.
Democrats are increasingly dogging Cheney at his fundraisers. Iowa Democrats rolled out a new mascot -- "Hallibacon," a man in a pig costume -- to make their point when Cheney was in the state Monday and Tuesday. Cheney waved at Hallibacon, who waved back.
But none of that has undercut Cheney's ability to bring in campaign cash.
On one day, April 22, Cheney brought in at least $450,000 for Rep. Clay Shaw in Fort Lauderdale and $225,000 for the state GOP and Rep. Ric Keller in Orlando.
Cheney's humor is dry, his delivery a near-monotone. But he is always received with enthusiasm at fundraisers and other events.