I was prompted by Impromptus.

A few days ago, Jay Nordlinger wrote:

Speaking of Cheney: In every interview he gives, he makes a cute remark about Ottumwa, Iowa. That is, if ‘08 comes up, he explains how important it is to Bush to have a vice president who’s not looking to replace him, and who doesn’t worry about how his actions or words will play in Ottumwa. He usually mentions Ottumwa’s “precinct committeeman” or “county chairman.” Some enterprising journalist should call up whoever the Republican honcho is in Ottumwa and ask him for his views. I should do it myself — but I’m on an airplane at the moment, and those calls are durned expensive.

So that’s what I did — I found the chair(man) and asked for HER views on Cheney.

Here’s the note I just received from Ottumwa’s “honcho,” Trudy Caviness.

Mick,

Thank you for your interest in Ottumwa, Iowa and Wapello County.

I have had the opportunity to met Vice-president Cheney. I was part of the welcoming team when he visited Ottumwa in September 2004. I have been an admirer of his for many years. As Secretary of Defense, I formed an opinion of Cheney as a man who was directed by principle, leadership, and commitment to a safer United States and World.

I would back Cheney in a presidential run enthusiastically. I think though the vice-president is not going to run. He has spent many years in public office and I feel he and his family want to spend time together without the
constant spotlight.

Who would be the candidate for 2008? As an ardent supporter of President Bush and his policies, I think we need to continue on this direction. We need a strong President who knows and lives his convictions and beliefs. We need a person who will continue to stand strong in the face of terrorism, whether that means in the United States boundaries or abroad. We need a President who will support our military with the respect and materials and training that they deserve.

I feel the Republican Party has many people who could and would be a strong leader for not only the United States, but for the world.

I hope this has answered your questions.

Trudy Caviness, chair
Wapello County Republicans

I believe it has.

NOTE: The sentence in bold above has been corrected.