Report: Cheney's help not wanted by McCain

WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI) -- Presumptive presidential candidate John McCain doesn't want unpopular U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney associated with his campaign efforts, sources say.

The Washington political news Web site Politico.com reported Wednesday that its sources say even though Cheney could help McCain shore up what is proving to be his weakest GOP constituency -- hardcore Bush administration supporters -- he doesn't want his assistance because of Cheney's high levels of unpopularity.

"I don't think the McCain people want Cheney anywhere near him," a former Cheney aide told Politico.com.

McCain's official response to the Web site's report was confined to a statement from spokeswoman Lee Anne McBride, who said, "John McCain will always treat the vice president with respect."

Cheney and McCain have also had a rocky relationship in recent years, the Web site noted, especially over former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Cheney's close friend and mentor. Last year McCain said Rumsfeld would "go down in history as one of the worst secretaries of defense in history."

Cheney responded by telling ABC News, "John said some nasty things about me the other day, and then next time he saw me, ran over to me and apologized. Maybe he'll apologize to Rumsfeld."