Mary Cheney signs book deal

NEW YORK, March 30 (UPI) -- The lesbian daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney is writing a book about being a "target" during her father's rise in U.S. politics.

Simon & Schuster bought the book proposed by Mary Cheney, who will receive an advance of about $1 million, the New York Times reported Wednesday.

Cheney's tome, with an expected May 2006 release, will include fly-on-the wall accounts of her father's campaigns and portray him far differently from his public persona, sources told the newspaper.

Republicans and Democrats drew pointed attention during the 2004 presidential campaign to Mary Cheney's homosexuality while President Bush endorsed a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

"I've been involved with campaigns as a family member, a staffer and though I certainly never intended it, as a political target for the other side," Cheney said. "It's been an amazing experience -- uplifting, frustrating, educational and always entertaining."