Cheney Rallies for Louisiana Congressional Runoffs

By Leslie Wetzel
Talon News
December 2, 2004

Vice President Dick Cheney spoke at rallies for both Republican U.S. Congressional candidates Charles Boustany and Billy Tauzin III, son of retiring Rep. Billy Tauzin. Both candidates are in runoff elections scheduled for December 4.

Dr. Charles Boustany is running for the Seventh Congressional District seat, against Democrat opponent Willie Mount. Billy Tauzin III is running for the Third Congressional District, against Democrat opponent Charlie Melancon.

Cheney thanked the attendees for the support that he and President Bush received from the state of Louisiana. Louisiana cast more than a million votes for the Bush-Cheney ticket in November. Cheney joked that he "delivered the state of Wyoming for the Bush-Cheney ticket." Cheney was the lone Congressman for that state for 10 years.

Referring to the strong voter turnout across the country, Cheney said that America saw major Republican victories in both houses of Congress. He said it would be his "great honor to swear in the first Republican senator ever elected by the people of Louisiana, Senator David Vitter."

Speaking in Lake Charles, Cheney talked about candidate Boustany.

"Dr. Boustany has proven through his service to his community that he is dedicated to serving the people of Louisiana," Cheney said. "Many of you have known Charles Boustany for many years. I campaigned with him over in Lafayette in September, and we had a chance to spend some time together. As a physician and a community leader, he has devoted his career to serving the people of Louisiana."

"He has shown calm in the most trying circumstances -- and compassion and generosity to people of all backgrounds. He's earned the trust of countless patients and their families," Cheney added. "And he's proved himself to be the kind of leader who can reach across the aisle to get things done. In fact, I've heard his record of bipartisanship even includes convincing his wife, Bridget, to switch parties."

At a separate rally in Houma, Cheney showed his support for Billy Tauzin III.

"All of you know Billy very well," Cheney said. "He has deep roots in this district, a close connection to the people who live here, and one of the most trusted names in Louisiana politics. He's supported by both Democrats and Republicans, he's an active member of the community, and he shares your values."

"He's committed to a healthy, growing economy that creates jobs and opportunities for the people of this district," Cheney continued. "He's committed to conserving the coastline, and to maintaining the very special way of life here in south Louisiana. Billy follows in a tradition of hard work, common sense, and a spirit of good will that puts the public interest ahead of partisanship. He'll work with members of both parties to achieve results for the people he serves, and he'll make you proud. Serving in the House is a serious responsibility, and President Bush and I ask you to send Billy to Washington, D.C. to help out."

Cheney said that the biggest threat America faces today, is having nuclear weapons technology fall into the hands of terrorists.

"The president is working with many countries in a global effort to end the trade and transfer of these deadly technologies," Cheney explained. "The most important result thus far is that the black-market network that supplied nuclear weapons technology to Libya and Iran, as well as North Korea, has been shut down. And the world is safer as a result."

The vice president went on to say that the best deterrent to terrorism is to spread the "blessings of human freedom."

Cheney thanked the military for their sacrifice. He referred to the fact that many of the troops fighting the war are from local bases, Ft. Polk and Barksdale Air Force Base.

"Our people in uniform represent the very best of this country, and I want to thank them, their families, and the veterans with us here today for all that they have done for America," Cheney said.

Cheney referred to the administration's commitment to a strong economy. He said that the economy is growing, and with the help of the two additional Republican Congressmen, the administration will "help families and small businesses by reforming and simplifying the federal tax code."

Cheney also reiterated the Bush administration's push for tort reform, saying that with the support of both Tauzin and Boustany, they will continue to work for medical liability reform, so that America's doctors "are able to spend their time healing patients, not fighting frivolous lawsuits."

Referring to social security, the vice president promoted the concept of allowing people to invest their payroll taxes in a personal account, rather than allowing "Washington politicians to take away their money. He wants the additional Republican congressmen to help make that happen.

The conservative social agenda will continue to move forward with the help of the two Republican Congressmen.

"We stand for a culture of life, and reject the brutal practice of partial birth abortion," Cheney said. "We stand strongly for the Second Amendment, and we'll defend the individual right of every American to bear arms."

"We believe that our nation is 'one nation under God,'" the vice president added. "And we believe Americans ought to be able to say so when we pledge allegiance to our flag."

Cheney closed the rallies by urging voters to cast their votes on Saturday, December 4 for the candidates, "because this race is very important, and the outcome is in your hands."