A check of the V.P. candidate's "resumes":

Conventional wisdom is that people don't base their vote on who the candidate for Vice President is. That's probably true but it doesn't mean it should not be a factor in the choice we make. At some times in our history it becomes a more critical factor than others.

Twice in my lifetime the VP has "unexpectedly" become the President. Also, given the current world situation (including the hate-filled extremists wallowing in our domestic fever swamps) the President is a major target. This makes our selection of VP unusually important.

A check of the candidate's "resumes":


John Edwards:

Born in Seneca, South Carolina and raised in Robbins, North Carolina

He earned his bachelor degree from North Carolina State University and a law degree University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

For the next 20 years he was a private practice attorney.

Elected to the U.S. Senate from North Carolina in 1998.

Served on numerous Senate Committees and Sub-committees.

Married his wife Elizabeth whom he met when both were law students at Chapel Hill, in 1977. They have
three children, Catharine, Emma Claire, and Jack.


Dick Cheney:

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on January 30, 1941 and grew up in Casper, Wyoming.

He earned his bachelor's and master's of arts degrees from the University of Wyoming.

Began his career in public service in 1969 when he served in a number of positions at the Cost of Living Council, at the Office of Economic Opportunity, and within the White House. In August 1974, served on the Presidential Transition Team and later as Deputy Assistant to the President.

In November 1975, he was named Assistant to the President and White House Chief of Staff. Elected to serve as Wyoming's sole Congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1977. He was re-elected five times and served in the House for 10 years.

Served on numerous House Committees and Sub-committees.

Elected to serve as Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee from 1981 to 1987.

Elected Chairman of the House Republican Conference in 1987.

Elected House Minority Whip in 1988. Secretary of Defense from March 1989 to January 1993. Directed two of the largest military campaigns in recent history - Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Desert Storm in the Middle East. He was responsible for shaping the future of the U.S. military during the period of significant and rapid change as the Cold War ended.

For his leadership in the Gulf War, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on July 3, 1991.

Served for 5 years as Chief Executive Officer of Fortune 200 company with over 100,000 employees operating in over 100 countries.
Has served as Vice President of the United States for the past 3+ years.

Has served a total of four Presidents and as an elected official. He married Lynne Ann Vincent, who he met in high school, in 1964. They have two grown daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, three granddaughters and one grandson.