Cheney to hit the campaign trail

The former vice president will enter a Republican primary battle next month

Published October 28, 2009 8:20PM (EDT)

There aren't all that many races where having former Vice President Dick Cheney on your side would give you a boost politically. But in a Republican primary in Texas? Well, that's a different story.

Cheney's going to be throwing his weight behind Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who's going to be leaving her seat in order to challenge incumbent Gov. Rick Perry. According to the Associated Press, Cheney will be campaigning with Hutchison on Nov. 17.

The former vice president's presence adds another interesting dynamic to a race that was already going to be one to watch. Perry's positioning himself as the conservative candidate, and tarring Hutchison as too liberal; Cheney's endorsement might throw a monkey wrench in those works. Perry does have former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on his side, though.


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

MORE FROM Alex Koppelman


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2010 Elections Dick Cheney Kay Bailey Hutchison R-tex. Rick Perry