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."

When asked about how he highlights his service in Iraq when out on the stump (his official campaign biography says he "participated in the operation to rescue American POW Jessica Lynch"), Taylor said, "It's a good starting point, but the most important thing you can do is explain to voters that you will go to Washington and represent their values."

In Texas Republican circles, Taylor's candidacy is seen as offense when compared with the defense the party has had to run in response to Tom DeLay's legal problems and the scandals swirling around many people close to him.

In southeast Pennsylvania's Bucks County and surrounding areas, Patrick Murphy is running in the Democratic primary to take on incumbent Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick, a Republican. Murphy, 32, served as a paratrooper with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division in Baghdad and is a former West Point professor.

"Does my resume give me a foot in the door? Absolutely," Murphy said. "[Voters] see that I am committed to public service ... but then I quickly talk about domestic priorities here at home" to avoid being seen just as an Iraq War vet running for Congress.

How effective a tool a candidate's biography is in winning votes remains up for debate among campaign experts, and there is always the risk of voter backlash if candidates talk about their personal biographies and little else.

"You have to use the biographical experience to segue to an issue terrain that is central to voters," said Devine, the Democratic strategist.

Crafting and honing a stellar political resume -- such as the ones young candidates Murphy and Taylor present -- still may not be enough to close the deal with voters.

"I think if you are authentic and can communicate with people, then you can have almost any kind of background or story, but you have to connect with people in a convincing way," said Devine.

"Is your bio enough?" Murphy said. "The answer is no -- not unless you also have something to say."