Vice President Cheney Takes Center Stage In Northwest Arkansas

Vice president Dick Cheney arrived Monday morning at XNA airport, and headed to the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale to speak on behalf of gubernatorial candidate and friend Asa Hutchinson. Vice president Cheney recalled the 6 electoral votes in Arkansas he and President Bush received in 2000, and the record Arkansas set in 2004. Cheney said, "We received the largest number of votes ever cast in Arkansas for President and Vice President of the United States." Cheney also took a moment to pay tribute to the late Win Rockefeller. "All of us will remember his example of integrity." Not missing a chance to speak about the controversial war on terrorism, Cheney dismissed artificial troop withdrawal times imposed by politicians in Washington. "We are dealing with enemies that declared an intention to bring great harm to any nation that opposes their aim." Cheney also highlighted some of Hutchinsons accomplishments; like his three terms in Congress, heading up the Drug Enforcement Administration, and his instrumental role after 9-11. "President Bush went to Asa Hutchinson and asked him to help set up the new Department of Homeland Security and be one of its leaders." While there are numerous governor races across the country, Cheney said he pledges his full support behind Hutchinson. "He is ready to lead your state and I look forward to congratulating him on a big victory come November."