AP: GOP ticket correction seems unlikely, but speculation abounds

[Newsjock]

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/ny-bc-ny--cheneyornot0217feb17,0,1507531.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire

By TOM RAUM
Associated Press Writer

February 17, 2004, 3:16 PM EST

WASHINGTON -- Dick Cheney is only six years older than President Bush, but his long government resume and graying presence helped offset the Texas governor's lack of seasoning and foreign policy experience in 2000.

Those same avuncular qualities seem less politically reinforcing now, with Bush facing a difficult re-election battle and Cheney, 63, burdened by political baggage of his own.

Allegations of profiteering in Iraq by oil services giant Halliburton, which Cheney once headed, and his frequent claims that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction have become standard Democratic targets.

Bush strongly backs the former Wyoming congressman, who served as his father's defense secretary and President Gerald Ford's chief of staff. But some Republicans are quietly asking whether Cheney will help or hinder the ticket among voters this November.

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[rogerashton]

1. While we are at it,

is GW*B going to help or hinder Republican chances?

[aquart]

2. Feel the fear?

Remember that lock on the Congress they expected to pick up as Bush sailed to victory as the glorious war president?

Lock's been picked.

[xchrom]

3. the first hints?

powell for veep in the 04 race?