Former Vice President Dick Cheney has agreed to headline the House Republicans’ premiere annual fundraising dinner in Washington next month.
Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush, is set to address the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “March Dinner” on March 24, an event that brings together donors from D.C. and around the country. Adding a bit of anticipation to Cheney’s appearance: It is set for the same day as the latest deadline the U.S. has set for Iran in negotiations aimed at slowing that country’s march toward nuclear weapons capability. Cheney has been a staunch critic of President Obama’s foreign policy.
“Vice President Dick Cheney is a dedicated public servant and we are honored to have him as our keynote speaker for this year’s March Dinner,” NRCC Chairman Greg Walden of Oregon said in a statement. “The vice president has worked tirelessly to protect our freedom and improve the lives of all Americans during his time, both in the House of Representatives and the White House. We are grateful for all of his hard work and all he continues to do for both our country and party. In 2000, he was elected as vice president, serving as a critical role in implementing President Bush’s bold vision of governing the country, growing our economy, and working towards keeping America safe both at home and abroad. Vice President Dick Cheney is a true Patriot and we are thankful to have him speaking at our March Dinner.”
With a competitive GOP presidential primary campaign already underway, many of the Republican Party’s brightest rising stars were not considered to give the dinner’s keynote speech, delivered last year by former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice. The NRCC did not want to be in a position of appearing to play favorites, especially with a crowd of more than 2000 that could have varying allegiances.
After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Cheney’s portfolio in the White House was focused on national security and helping Bush prosecute the war on terror. His choice as the NRCC’s dinner speaker comes at a time of elevated focus on foreign policy and national security in GOP circles, including among party activists who are shopping for a 2016 candidate to support.
