[Peace-discuss] Cheney is nuts, too

[C. G. Estabrook]

	Cheney curses senator over Halliburton criticism
	Thursday, June 24, 2004 Posted: 7:15 PM EDT (2315 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Typically a break from partisan warfare, this year's
Senate class photo turned smiles into snarls as Vice President Dick Cheney
reportedly used profanity toward one senior Democrat, sources said.

Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, who was on the receiving end of Cheney's
ire, confirmed that the Vice President used profanity during Tuesday's
class photo.

A spokesman for Cheney confirmed there was a "frank exchange of views."

Using profanity on the Senate floor while the Senate is session is against
the rules. But the Senate was technically not in session at the time and
the normal rules did not apply, a Senate official said.

The story, which was recounted by several sources, goes like this:

Cheney, who as president of the Senate was present for the picture day,
turned to Leahy and scolded the senator over his recent criticism of the
vice president for Halliburton's alleged war profiteering.

Cheney is the former CEO of Halliburton, and Democrats have suggested that
while serving in the Bush administration he helped win lucrative contracts
for his former firm, including a no-bid contract to rebuild Iraq.

Cheney's office has said repeatedly that the vice president has no role in
government contracting and has severed all financial ties with the
Texas-based oil services conglomerate.

Cheney was chief executive officer of Halliburton from 1995 to 2000. He
resigned when he became George Bush's running mate.

Responding to Cheney's comment, Leahy reminded him of an earlier statement
the vice president had made about him. Cheney then replied with profanity.

Leahy would not comment on the specifics of the story Thursday, but did
confirm that Cheney used profanity.

"I think he was just having a bad day," said Leahy, "and I was kind of
shocked to hear that kind of language on the floor."

Kevin Kellems, a spokesman for the vice president, said, "That doesn't
sound like the kind of language that the vice president would use, but I
can confirm that there was a frank exchange of views."
 
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