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Article published Jul 15, 2004
Cheney sets plans for Spartanburg

ROBERT W. DALTON
Staff Writer


Vice President Dick Cheney's secret visit to Spartanburg is no longer secret.Invitations for a Bush-Cheney fund-raiser featuring the vice president went out Wednesday. The luncheon reception will be held at noon on Aug. 9 at the home of state House Speaker Pro Tem Doug Smith.Smith said he was glad to see Spartanburg getting such attention."Where better than here?" Smith said. "I'm delighted for the city and the county."Everyone that I've talked to has been enthusiastic that they don't have to drive 100 miles to see the vice president. They're glad this event is taking place in their back yard, and literally in my back yard."The price tag to attend the luncheon reception is $1,000 per couple. It will cost $5,000 per couple to attend the luncheon and have a photo opportunity with Cheney. It's $10,000 per couple to attend the luncheon reception, have a photo made and attend a private reception.Cheney's visit to Spartanburg will be his second trip to South Carolina in an 18-day span. He will appear at a fund-raiser for U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint in Myrtle Beach on July 23. DeMint and Democratic state Superintendent of Education Inez Tenenbaum face off in November for the Senate seat being vacated by Fritz Hollings.Spartanburg County Republican Party Chairman Rick Beltram said having the vice president come to town would aid the local party."Many times when President Bush or Vice President Cheney come to the Upstate, they pick Greenville," Beltram said. "It's nice to see that Spartanburg is the focus of this attention."Robert W. Dalton can be reached at 562-7274 or bob.dalton@shj.com.