Cheney Stumps for Iraqi War Vet
April 10, 2006 — -- When John Kerry took the stage to formally accept the Democratic Party's nomination in the summer of 2004, he did so highlighting a portion of his biography he hoped would resonate positively with the American people.
"I'm John Kerry and I'm reporting for duty," said the former naval lieutenant, with his saluting hand to his forehead.
Biography is not destiny, or so goes the political adage.
"When candidates introduce themselves through biography, it invites voters in in a unique way, a way of relating to people in their own lives and experiences," said Tad Devine, a Democratic strategist and one of John Kerry's senior advisers in 2004.
That is likely why when Vice President Dick Cheney touches down in Waco, Texas, today to help Republican congressional candidate Van Taylor raise some money, he will probably mention Taylor's service in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a key credential to the 150 supporters expected to gather.
As has been widely publicized, eight veterans of the Iraq War are running for Congress this year. Most of them are Democrats who hope their efforts will help burnish their party's national security credentials. And despite all the attention being paid to veterans running this year, each one seems keenly aware of the dangers of getting pigeonholed as a one-issue candidate.
Taylor, 33, captured his party's nomination in a competitive March primary and is now focusing his energies on unseating eight-term Democratic Rep. Chet Edwards in the Lone Star State's 17th congressional district.
Not unlike Kerry, Taylor has developed a meticulous political resume. Taylor is a Marine from Midland, Texas, who attended St. Paul's Preparatory Academy in New Hampshire before getting his Harvard University education and then enlisting in the Marines. He has spent 10 years in the Marine Corps, four on active duty and six in the reserves.
"I've had a very fortunate background, and that in turn has caused me to believe I have to give a lot back," Taylor said. "I was fortunate that my parents sent me to the East Coast for my education, but it will never change the fact that I am a Marine and a Texan, and those experiences will always help define my values."
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