Cheney may raise funds for Sekula-Gibbs

Vice President Dick Cheney will be traveling to Houston to raise funds for the Congressional campaign of Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, several sources told the Fort Bend Herald this week.

Sekula-Gibbs, a Republican, is running for the District 22 seat as a write-in candidate. She joined the race in August after courts ruled that the Republican Party could not appoint a candidate to replace Tom DeLay on the ballot. DeLay withdrew his name from consideration in August after resigning the office.

Also running is Democrat Nick Lampson and and Libertarian Bob Smither, who has said he is picking up support from disaffected Republicans.

Fort Bend County Party Chairman Gary Gillen confirmed that Cheney will be visiting Houston and hosting a fundraiser luncheon there in early October.

"What it says is, this race for the 22nd District is important," said Gillen. "I think this is indicative that the White House is aware of this race, the White House is concerned about this race and the White House believes it can be won.

"Otherwise, they wouldn't be going through these efforts for Shelley," said Gillen.

Mike Malaise, the spokesman for Lampson, said he would not comment on Cheney's visit because it has not been confirmed by Sekula-Gibbs' campaign.

As for Lampson's own campaign, Malaise said "we're not focused on that kind of thing."

"We're focused on getting our message out to the voters," he said.

Lisa Dimond, the spokeswoman for Sekula-Gibbs, said any questions should be referred to the White House.

This would be Cheney's second fundraiser for the 2006 District 22 race. He hosted a dinner for DeLay in December of 2005, and raised $500,000 for the former candidate.