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Cheney visits for Scalise fundraiser; opponent labels it act of desperation

07:07 PM CDT on Monday, October 6, 2008

Paul Murphy / Eyewitness News

Air Force Two landed at Armstrong International in New Orleans as Vice-President Dick Cheney arrived for a quick touch and go fundraiser for Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise.

Vice-President Dick Cheney was greeted at the airport by U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise.

The pair rode together to a restaurant in the French Quarter where supporters paid $2,300 a person for lunch and a picture with the VP.

Mr. Cheney also came to help rally the conservative base for Scalise who now faces a credible challenge from Democrat Jim Harlan.

"My opponent ran a very false, negative campaign for the last six weeks," said Scalise. "I think it shows he doesn't really have anything to offer himself because he's a very liberal Democrat and actually ran and got elected to be a delegate for Barack Obama so he is clearly out of touch with the First Congressional District."

Jim Harlan was quick to distribute a news release stating that the national Republican party sent the Vice-President to New Orleans to prop up Scalise's sagging campaign.

"There's going to be a lot of wealthy people, asked to pay big bucks to listen to Cheney talk for a while because Steve Scalise hasn't been able to raise money by himself," said Harlan. "He's way behind."

Harlan hasn't done much fundraising either.

So far, he's spent close to $1 million of his own money on the campaign.

Saturday, the Lacombe businessman won the democratic primary with more than 70 percent of the vote over challenger Vinnie Mendoza.

"I've invested a lot of my own money, money I earned in business to deliver a message to the people of the First Congressional District, over the heads, if you will, of the political establishment, that shows my commitment,: said Harlan.

Both candidates plan a media blitz over the next four weeks and are expected to participate in several televised debates.

"There is a clear contrast between someone who has a proven track record of pushing for the conservative reforms that we need in this district and a very liberal person who aligns himself with Barack Obama," said Scalise.

"I'm pro-life, pro-gun and a true fiscal conservative," said Harlan.

Vice-President Cheney also spent some time in Baton Rouge campaigning for Bill Cassidy in Louisiana's Sixth Congressional District.