STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who made his way to Staten Island in 2011 to promote his memoir and meet with members of the borough’s Republican Party, died Monday from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.
The fundraising event was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield on Monday, Dec. 12, 2011. Cheney was interviewed by his daughter, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, to discuss his memoir “In My Time” and raise money for the Staten Island GOP.
About 250 party loyalists attended the gathering, which brought in between $35,000 and $40,000 for local coffers, according to then-GOP Chairman Bob Scamardella. Tickets for the hour-long program ranged from $100 to $500.
Late former Vice President Dick Cheney is interviewed by his daughter, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, at a Richmond County GOP fundraiser at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield on Monday, Dec. 12, 2011.(Advance/SILive.com | Anthony DePrimo)
During the interview, Cheney reflected on his early years in Washington, his rise to power and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He praised “the heroism of folks here in New York — the fire, rescue and police” who responded to the “terrible tragedy.”
When asked about economic principles, Cheney emphasized Reagan-era policies focused on cutting taxes and encouraging savings and investment.
The audience included several prominent Republicans, among them the late former Borough President Guy Molinari, former Assemblyman Lou Tobacco, current Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and former City Councilman Vincent Ignizio. Artist/activist Scott LoBaido presented Cheney with a portrait as a gift from the GOP.
Among those on hand were former Staten Island GOP Chairman Robert Scamardella and late former Borough President and Congressman Guy Molinari. Monday, Dec. 12, 2011.(Advance/SILive.com | Anthony DePrimo)
Local attendees expressed admiration for the former vice president. Tom Backis of Dongan Hills called Cheney “a great American, steadfast in his belief in defending our country and doing it the right way,” while Emily Malfi of Silver Lake said she “loved everything” about him.
Cheney also visited the Island in 2005 when, as sitting vice president, he headlined a fundraiser for then-GOP Rep. Vito Fossella. That event was the highest-grossing political fundraiser in borough history, Republicans said at the time.
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