Dick Cheney will step into the national political spotlight next month as he keynotes the Republicans’ big Washington congressional dinner.
The former vice president has been an outspoken critic of the Obama administration, notably its national security policy.
The March 24 dinner is expected to attract about 2,000 people, notably prominent Republican officeholers, donors and activists.
“Vice President Dick Cheney is a dedicated public servant and we are honored to have him as our keynote speaker for this year’s March dinner,” said Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ohio, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, which hosts the event.
Cheney, a former House of Representatives member and Pentagon secretary, was lauded by Walden as a “true patriot” for his Bush administration role. His appearance at the event could be an indication that Republicans see voters as more sympathetic to the Bush era. Former President George W. Bush’s brother, Jeb, is seriously considering a 2016 run.
Walden said of Cheney, “In 2000, he was elected as Vice President, serving as a critical role in implementing President Bush’s bold vision of governing the country, growing our economy, and working towards keeping America safe both at home and abroad.”