From the pages of
The Sublette County Journal
Volume 4, Number 48 - 7/27/00
brought to you online by Pinedale Online


Dick Cheney
Baker: Cheney is Competent, Loyal
Former Sec. of State reflects on Bush's choice for VP
by Jennifer Binning

By the time the official word came, it was a surprise to no one. Republican Presidential hopeful Texas Governor George Bush had selected Wyoming's Dick Cheney as his vice presidential running mate.

In an interview Wednesday, his long time friend and Boulder resident James Baker III describes Mr. Cheney as "the perfect choice" for a Vice President.

In an interview on Wednesday morning, Former Secretary of State Baker was clearly pleased by the selection of the Halliburton CEO. "It is good for Governor Bush and good for the country that he is willing to do this," said Mr. Baker.

Mr. Cheney, who has been on several pack trips in the Wind River Mountains with Mr. Baker is an avid fisherman who taught the statesman how to fly fish and "is quite a good quail shot." He also is very capable of washing up the camp dishes, which Mr. Baker then dried.

Mr. Cheney began his political career as the Chief of Staff for former President Gerald Ford, and was instrumental in recruiting Mr. Baker to head President Ford's campaign against Jimmy Carter in 1976. After a decade spent in Congress representing the State of Wyoming, he was recruited by Gov. Bush's father to be his Secretary of Defense.

Mr. Cheney has compiled a strongly conservative voting record in the House, where he attained the post of Republican Whip, but is considered to be a bit more moderate than many of his Congressional cohorts.

Mr. Baker feels that Mr. Cheney's selection would give Gov. Bush "the kind of Vice President that the Governor's father was to President Regan. He understands the role of the office."

When asked what qualities Mr. Cheney brings to the ticket, Mr. Baker simply says, "He has so many!" but describes his friend as "Totally competent, thoroughly reliable, totally loyal and there are no surprises with Dick. He has experience in the Executive and Legislative branches and he knows how the system works."

When asked if Mr. Cheney would make a good President, Mr. Baker responds with an enthusiastic "absolutely! That is always the first criteria you look for when making this selection. No debate there."

Was Mr. Baker considered for the post? "I am 71 years old!" he laughs.

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