[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 97 (Monday, July 24, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S7468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION FOR DICK CHENEY

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, in the last part of our time here I want 
to follow up a little bit on your comments about the prospects for the 
Vice Presidential nomination for Dick Cheney. Partly, I guess, that is 
because it is a personal thing. As you mentioned, Dick Cheney is from 
Wyoming. Indeed, he is still a resident and now I understand he is 
voting in Wyoming. Certainly he is a friend. As a matter of fact, I 
took Dick Cheney's place in the House when he took the job as Secretary 
of Defense. I was more delighted about his promotion than anyone else, 
I suppose.
  Aside from that, I guess I am really impressed with the opportunities 
that might bring about. Of course, it is up to the Governor, Governor 
Bush, to do whatever he chooses. He has not yet made an announcement. 
But it seems to me it is satisfying to think of someone being on that 
ticket who is just a basic person, who has demonstrated his ability to 
do so many things in government and outside of government. I think it 
is kind of unusual in today's political scene for it to be someone who 
just says it like it is, not the great spin.
  I was thinking about that yesterday. I was hearing some things on the 
radio, trying to make one thing sound like another. That is not the way 
Dick Cheney does things. He just says it.
  He has a great background in government. He worked in the White 
House, was Chief of Staff. By the way, I saw him at the airport in 
Denver. He seems to be doing well. Of course, he was in the House of 
Representatives, I think, for six terms--a number of terms, anyway. He 
rose to leadership there. He was selected then, as you know, to be 
Secretary of Defense. He did a super job in the gulf war and the 
activities there.
  So it just seems to me he would bring to anyone's ticket this ideal 
of a strong, stable person, knowledgeable, ready to move in and do the 
kinds of things that are required of the leadership of this country.
  I guess I am a cheerleader for Dick Cheney. Hopefully, we will have a 
chance to continue to do that over the next several months.
  Mr. President, our time is nearly expired. I suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LOTT. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Collins). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

                          ____________________