COLUMBIA, SC – Today, former Vice President Dick Cheney issued the following statement endorsing Gresham Barrett for Governor of South Carolina:

“Today, I am strongly endorsing Gresham Barrett.  Gresham is the kind of leader America needs.  He is tough, conservative, and honest, and I am confident he will make South Carolina proud as your next Governor.

“Gresham Barrett is one of the most conservative leaders I’ve ever worked with.  No one in South Carolina has done more to fight President Obama’s reckless agenda than Gresham Barrett.  On issues of national defense, spending reductions, tax cuts, and eliminating the national debt, his record fighting for the conservative cause is unmatched.   Gresham has opposed and fought against every single wasteful Obama spending proposal.  Every one.

“But there’s a lot of revisionist history going on in South Carolina these days.  I expect that from MSNBC, but not from fellow Republicans. So let me set the record straight.

“I’m certain Gresham knew his vote in support of President Bush and our plan wouldn’t be popular, but he did something far too novel in American politics today:  He put the interests of his country ahead of his own. That’s why voters should not believe the false attacks from his opponents.  When it was time to make decisions and show leadership, Gresham stepped up while they all stayed silent and ducked for cover.  That may make for good politics today, but it certainly isn’t leadership.

“Let me be clear. Gresham is a friend and ally for conservatives everywhere.  His bold vision for state spending caps and comprehensive tax reform is a recipe for a real recovery in South Carolina.  And it’s exactly the kind of honest leadership you would expect from a lifelong small businessman and former Army field artillery captain.

“I’m proud to support Gresham.  And you’ll be proud to call him Governor.”