I Knew it Felt Cold This Morning...

Demonstrators gather for Cheney visit
Vice president to speak at GOP fundraiser in Everett

By Melissa Slager and Jerry Cornfield
Herald Writers

People were gathering this morning near the Everett hotel where Vice President Dick Cheney will be speaking at a lunch-time fundraiser for Republican Congressional candidate Doug Roulstone.

A crowd of about 30 people - some carrying signs supporting the vice president, others protesting the war in Iraq - took up positions along the sidewalk near the Holiday Inn where the event is planned.

People in support of Cheney and those who said they were in opposition carried U.S. flags during the mid-morning demonstration.

Don Quale, 59, Lake Forest Park, was the first person to show up to share his views. He took up a spot at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Pine Street, across from the hotel.

Quale held a sign thanking Cheney for support of the military. "It's a chance to get our message to the vice president that there are supporters despite the vilification," he said.

Chad Shue, 53, Everett, carried "Bush lied" sign. He said he represented progressive Democrats in Snohomish County.

"I just want to make sure Vice President Dick Cheney isn't as welcome here as he thinks he is."

The best part of this? Cheney is staying at the Holiday Inn. No shit.