Cheney greets well-wishers at the Morgantown airport
VP attends Republican fund-raiser for Wakim
Cheney spent a few hours in town for a fund-raiser to support Delegate Chris Wakim, the only Republican running to unseat Rep. Alan Mollohan, DW.Va.
The invitation-only fund-raiser, reportedly held at the home of Jerry and Shara Lorenze, could raise about $140,000 for Wakim's campaign. Jerry Lorenze had no comment Friday.
At 2:17 p.m., Cheney landed at Morgantown Municipal Airport via Air Force Two, a large 757 white plane with a blue underbelly and the words "The United States of America" in big, bold letters. He was a few minutes ahead of schedule, from Indianapolis International Airport.
Air Force Two landed quickly and made a loop back to the tarmac, closely followed by a state police patrol car, its strip of bright lights blurred by the exhaust from the plane.
After passengers emptied the plane, Cheney made a quick descent down moveable stairs set up by airport officials.
The vice president, wearing a dark suit, white shirt and a red tie, greeted Wakim, Delegate Cindy Frich and a few others before being escorted to a black limousine.
With state troopers leading and bringing up the rear, the vice president's motorcade quickly drove away as Cheney waved to the crowd through dark tinted windows.
Mainly media and security filled out the crowd gathered for Cheney's arrival. Secret Service, local police, and Trans- portation Security Administration officials kept the airport grounds under a tight watch.
David White and his family were among the few citizens allowed access to the tarmac for Cheney's arrival.
White, who owns Morgantown Power Equipment, supplied several large pieces of heavy equipment used for security, joining Morgantown fire trucks in a long barrier between the tarmac and the airport.
He brought his 8-year-old son, Tanner.
"I think it's important we get involved in politics," White said. "I'm glad my son will be able to see one of the dignitaries that run our country."
Tanner appeared awestruck as Air Force Two appeared in the overcast sky. "Look, it's the vice president," he said, pointing to the sky. "It's him."
Wakim said he was honored to have the vice president support his campaign. "It is quite a compliment for a man of this stature to come to the district," Wakim said. When Cheney greeted the candidate, he asked about the issues of the area, Wakim said.
Frich said she's glad Cheney and the president support the area. "They've paid so much attention to West Virginia and Morgantown," Frich said. "We hope to reap the benefits."
Cheney departed from Morgantown Municipal Airport at about 6:20 p.m. Friday.
Jason DeProsper of The Dominion Post Photos Vice President Dick Cheney greets members of the welcoming party. Included in the party are Delegate Chris Wakim (fourth from right), Delegate Cindy Frich, R-Monongaha (third from right) and W.Va. Supreme Court Justice Brent D. Benjamin (seventh from right).