What Democrats Say About Secretary Cheney

Senator Al Gore

"SEN. GORE: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And Congressman Cheney -- or Dick -- let me add my congratulations to those you've already heard, and my words of welcome to your family. And we're not going to take him completely away, I'll say. He's already worked pretty hard as a member of the House and he won't be gone entirely. But, I want to tell you how much your colleagues and former colleagues who had the privilege of serving with you in the House, as I did, before coming to the Senate, respect you and wish you well in this new endeavor to come. I applaud the choice and congratulate the President for the choice, and pledge my best efforts to work with you as you undertake an extremely difficult challenge at a difficult time, quite frankly, with all of the changes in the world and all of the budget pressures here at home."
* Hearing of the Senate Armed Service Committee, Secretary of Defense Confirmation Hearing, March 14, 1989

"Sen. Albert Gore of Tennessee, a Democratic member of the Armed Services Committee who served with Cheney in the House, said: 'I know of no reason why he shouldn't be approved, but I will reserve judgment until the hearings. . . . He is a good guy. I like him a lot, and he is well liked by his colleagues.'"
* The Boston Globe, March 11, 1989

Representative Tony Coelho

"'Few people in Washington understand the executive and legislative branches of government as well as Dick Cheney,' said Rep. Tony Coelho (D-Merced), the majority whip who ranks third in the House leadership. 'This is a smart move on the part of the President but a great move on behalf of the country.'"
- Los Angeles Times, March 11, 1989

Senator Sam Nunn

"In terms of qualifications, Congressman Cheney, I believe, is highly qualified to be Secretary of Defense. He has had a distinguished 20-year public career, serving in senior leadership positions in both the Legislative and Executive branches. Beyond his leadership and management experience, he has substantial expertise on national security and intelligence matters. His high standards of personal conduct and integrity will, in my view, help restore public confidence in the integrity of defense management. He has my strong support, and I intend to vote for him for the position of Secretary of Defense."
- Senator Sam Nunn, Executive Session of the Senate Armed Service Committee, March 16, 1989

"The committee also discussed Representative Cheney's medical condition in both public and executive sessions. The committee concluded that there is no medical reason that would preclude Representative Cheney from serving as Secretary of Defense."
- Senator Sam Nunn, Congressional Record, March 17, 1989

Senator George Mitchell

"Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell of Maine said Cheney had 'served with distinction' in Congress. He promised to work with Nunn to ensure the nomination gets 'prompt consideration' by the committee and the full Senate.
- Associated Press, March 10, 1989

Senator Tim Wirth

"Sen. Tim Wirth, D-Colo., said, 'He's a very able and impressive person. ... He's one of the smartest people in Congress.'
- Associated Press, March 10, 1989

Senator Charles Robb

"'An excellent choice,' said Sen. Charles Robb, the freshman from Virginia who was one of the last Democrats to announce his opposition to Tower."
* Associated Press, March 10, 1989

Senator James Exon

SEN. EXON: "And I happen to feel that we should also salute the President for his prompt move to bring about the nomination of Dick Cheney, whom I think will do an excellent job in that very important position. And I simply second the remarks that both of you have made. And I'm looking forward to casting my vote in support of this nominee."
- Senator James Exon, Executive Session of the Senate Armed Service Committee, March 16, 1989

Senator Robert Byrd

Mr. BYRD. "Mr. President, I support the nomination of Mr. Cheney for the post of Secretary of Defense. It is a pleasure to support a nominee whose background and experience are well known to all of us. It is well known that he brings substantial experience in the national security and intelligence fields. He served on the House Intelligence Committee and on the committee investigating the Iran arms-for-hostages scandal. No serious questions have arisen in the course of the Armed Services Committee investigation and hearings over Mr. Cheney's fitness for the office, or his integrity, or over the issues related to conflict of interest. On the contrary, I think the record is clear that by virtue of his temperament, his character, his experience, his commitment to public service, that this is an excellent nominee. I welcome his nomination, and I look forward to a solid working relationship with him in sorting out the very difficult issues on national security that we face in the light of our fiscal constraints."
* Senator Byrd, Congressional Record, March 17, 1989

Senator Jim Sasser

Mr. SASSER. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the nomination of Representative Dick Cheney to be Secretary of Defense. I have known and worked with Dick Cheney for several years. He is a man who I am pleased to support for this crucial position. Representative Cheney is a man of dedication, honor, and integrity. Combined with his experience in public service and his expertise in areas of national security and intelligence, Representative Cheney's personal attributes will enable him to perform his duties as Secretary of Defense in an exemplary manner. I believe that he has the ability to restore public confidence in the Department of Defense and the officials who operate it.
- Senator Jim Sasser, Congressional Record, March 17, 1989

Source: George W. Bush for President

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