Richard Cheney (New Mexico politician)

Dick Cheney
Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives
from the 2nd district
In office
May 21, 2003  January, 2007
Preceded by Nick Tinnin
Succeeded by James Strickler
In office
January, 1985  January, 1995
Personal details
Born (1937-04-01) April 1, 1937
Nationality American
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Janie
Children 3
Residence Farmington, New Mexico[1]
Alma mater New Mexico State University
Profession Businessman, Politician
Religion Christian

Richard P. "Dick" Cheney (born April 1, 1937) is an American politician and a former Republican member of the New Mexico House of Representatives.[2]

Early life and education

Dick Cheney was born on April 1, 1937 and graduated from Clovis High School. He went to New Mexico State University receiving a BS in Civil Engineering.[3]

New Mexico House of Representatives

Cheney was the House Minority Leader while in the New Mexico House of Representatives in the 1990's.[4] As a State Legislator, Cheney's positions included being anti-abortion, pro-gun rights and pro-business.[5] He voted for a $103 Million tax hike in 1987 to help prevent cutting education spending due to a loss of gas and oil revenue.[6]

On May 20, 2003, Cheney was appointed by the San Juan County Commission to replace State Representative Nick Tinnin.[7] He was re-elected unopposed in 2004 but did not run for re-election in 2006.[8]

1994 gubernatorial campaign

Dick Cheney ran in the Republican primary for the New Mexico Gubernatorial Election in 1994. He chose Pete Rahn as his campaign manager.[5] A campaign ad from the Santa Fe New Mexico newspaper showed that he ran on a platform highlighting cracking down on violent crime, repealing the gasoline tax, and lowering public spending.[4] When Cheney legally changed his first name from Richard to Dick, his polling numbers increased tremendously. This created controversy, as opponents including John Dendahl stated that people voting in the polls would confuse Cheney with the former Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney from Wyoming, improving his chances of winning the primary.[9]

He received 49% of the vote at the Republican State Convention in 1994.[10] Cheney lost the primary by one point receiving 33% of the vote right behind Gary Johnson at 34%, who went on to become Governor of the state and later a Presidential candidate.

Personal life

Dick Cheney is married to his wife, Janie, and has three kids. He is a member of Rotary International.[4]

References

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