McCain Unlikely To Use Cheney In Campaign

Well, that's no surprise, is it? If he used Cheney, the link to Bush would be very obvious to every one.

Vice President Cheney is a highly effective fundraiser and a hero to the conservative wing of the party, but it's unlikely he'll appear with presumptive Republican nominee John McCain anytime soon.

In part, it’s a reflection of political expediency. Though Cheney is one of the nation’s most influential and talked about vice presidents ever, his favorability ratings are near toxic lows. But Cheney and McCain also have had a rocky relationship.

What is most likely, say friends and observers of Cheney, is for the vice president to reprise his 2006 role as down-ballot fundraiser and server of partisan red meat.

“He is incredibly popular with the Republican base,” noted David Keene, head of the American Conservative Union and a Cheney friend dating back to their days battling one another in the 1976 GOP primary between Ford and Reagan. “I think you’ll see him out there, particularly in conservative areas. Members of Congress want him for fundraising.”

Though it has been little-noticed, Cheney has again taken with gusto to the GOP’s rubber chicken circuit.

So he'll have to be attacked wherever he goes.

In addition, he’ll speak before friendly interest groups to help push the conservative message. He’s scheduled to speak Wednesday to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors.

Interest groups? As in special interests.