GOP plays to veterans’ concerns

V.P. candidate Cheney strikes patriotic chord with first visit

By SUSANNA RAY

Herald Writer

EVERETT — A patriotic crowd turned out Monday, on the eve of the general election, for Snohomish County’s first visit by a vice presidential candidate this year.

Republican Dick Cheney’s comments on bolstering the military were well received as he spoke in this Navy town to a group of about 1,500 people, including a heavy presence of veterans. Cheney was defense secretary under former President George Bush.

"The best way we know to get results is … (to) get ourselves a new commander in chief," Cheney said, encouraging everyone to vote today.

His wife, Lynne, spoke of a "new era of brotherhood from sea to shining sea," as the crowd waved red, white and blue pom-poms.

Republican organizers chose a medley of patriotic songs, including several played by the Snohomish County Christian School band, rather than the loud rock music Democrats favored for Al Gore’s rally in the same hangar two weeks ago.

Cheney also talked up the tax cuts he and running mate George W. Bush are proposing, a theme shared by Republican gubernatorial candidate John Carlson, who emceed the event.

When his 5-year-old son asked him what taxes are recently, Carlson said, he told him, "Taxes are when you have to give your money to the government instead of buying hamburgers and toys."

Carlson is running against incumbent Democratic Gov. Gary Locke.

U.S. Rep. Jack Metcalf, R-Wash., appeared at his last-ever campaign event. He’s retiring this year to honor his commitment to term limits.

The Republican who hopes to succeed him, state Rep. John Koster, R-Arlington, spoke of a GOP "tsunami" and "tidal wave" that he expects to sweep the country today. Koster’s competing against Democratic Snohomish County Councilman Rick Larsen for Metcalf’s spot.

U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton, R-Wash., who’s running against Democrat Maria Cantwell, appeared with his wife, Sally, and led the crowd in a chant of "One more day. No more Gore."

Although it was the first stop in the county by a vice presidential candidate, presidential hopefuls have been here a handful of times. Bush has visited three times and Gore once. Washington has voted Democrat in the past three elections, but it’s considered a swing state this year, which has increased its national importance in the close race.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens, Arlington school measures on Feb. 11 ballot

A bond in Lake Stevens and a levy in Arlington would be used to build new schools.

Lake Stevens Sewer District wastewater treatment plant. (Lake Stevens Sewer District)
Lake Stevens sewer district trial delayed until April

The dispute began in 2021 and centers around when the city can take over the district.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

A salmon carcass lays across willow branches in Edgecomb Creek on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tribes: State fish passage projects knock down barriers for local efforts

Court-ordered projects have sparked collaboration for salmon habitat restoration

The Everett Municipal Building on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project

The Port Gardner Storage Facility, in the works for more than a decade, will help prevent overflows of the city sewer system.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.