REPUBLICANS Cheney to visit Cleveland for candidate's fundraiser

Craig Foltin, mayor of Lorain, is running for state representative.
LORAIN, Ohio (AP) -- Vice President Dick Cheney will be in Cleveland next week for a fundraiser for a U.S. House candidate, Lorain County Republican Party Chairman Robert Rousseau said Saturday.
Craig Foltin, 39, the Republican mayor of the Cleveland suburb of Lorain, faces Democratic former state Rep. Betty Sutton in the November election. They are seeking the seat held by Democrat Sherrod Brown, who's challenging Republican Sen. Mike DeWine, who wants a third term.
Cheney is scheduled to attend a $250-per-person luncheon May 15 at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. He'll also attend a $2,500-per-person reception, where guests will have an opportunity to be photographed with Cheney.
While the district is considered Democratic-leaning, many Republican leaders see Foltin as a strong candidate for the GOP. He's been elected twice in heavily Democratic Lorain.
The mayor has said he does not always agree with traditional Republican views. He supports the war in Iraq but has concerns about a state law that allows residents to carry concealed weapons.
"I think the Republican Party really needs to be embracing candidates such as this, who are something different than the usual Republican candidate," said Rob Frost, chairman of the Republican Party of neighboring Cuyahoga County.
"Clearly, the vice president feels this isn't just an important race but a winnable race."
But Sutton's campaign manager Anna Landmark said aligning with Cheney and President Bush will only hurt Foltin.