Congresswoman Heather Wilson, (R-N.M.) strengthened her 2004 re-election bid Aug. 12 through a $1,000-a-plate luncheon that featured a guest appearance by her political ally, Vice President Dick Cheney.
"Heather Wilson brings a lot of class and dignity to the office," Cheney said, adding that he respects her for keeping her feet on the ground and remembering where she came from.
"We are all here to make certain that she gets re-elected," Cheney said.
Along with the $180,000 garnered at the fund-raiser, Wilson's camp has raised more than $570,000 for her upcoming campaign, putting her far ahead of her democratic counterpart, state Senate President Richard Romero who, according to Federal Elections Commision figures, has raised a little more than $40,000.
"New Mexico is a very competitive district, and in order to remain competitive you have to raise money," Wilson told the crowd of more than 200 people at the Hilton Hotel. "I can't do this alone, but with the continued help of my supporters, I am not worried."
Toting him as "the gentleman from Wyoming," Wilson said she has known Cheney for more than a decade and has been most impressed with his ability to listen more than he talks. A feat, she added, that is becoming all too rare in the world of politics.
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Cheney also used his time behind the microphone to advocate his own bid for re-election, defending the Bush administration's actions since Sept. 11 and the ongoing war on terrorism.
"As the former Secretary of Defense, I have never been prouder of our men and women in uniform," Cheney said. "We are prepared to forge ahead in the war on terror until we are certain that our job is done and the possible threats against American interests are eliminated."
He added that he believes the war in Iraq was justified despite the still elusive weapons of mass destruction that became the selling point for preemptive military action.
"We have every reason to believe that if the controlling regime of that country has those weapons that they will use them, enacting far deadlier consequences than if we remained on the defensive," Cheney said.
"A good defense is also not an acceptable answer," he added. "We need a strong offense to destroy their abilities to endanger us."
