In Rare Move, Cheney Keeps Secret Service Protection
Veep became worried about safety, privacy
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Sources close to Cheney said they believe he will ask for additional Secret Service protection at the end of his current six months.
Ex-Vice President Dick Cheney will get to keep his taxpayer-funded Secret Service detail for at least another six months.
The former veep, growing increasingly worried about his safety and privacy, asked President Obama to extend his protection for another six months -- a move that is rare for a former VP, the New York Daily News reported.
Obama, who has been on the receiving end of searing criticism from Cheney, approved the additional protection and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano signed the order, her spokeswoman told the News.
Cheney is eligible for another extension at the end of six months, which began on Tuesday. Had Obama not approved the security extension, the former veep would've had to shop around for private security agents or be without protection.
Sources close to Cheney said they believe he will ask for additional Secret Service protection at the end of his current six months and that the former veep became increasingly worried about his safety and privacy in the past few years, the News reported.
Presidents are limited to 10 years of protection, a rule set in place in 1997. The Clintons are the last presidential family that has a lifetime of security.
Posted Tuesday, Jul 21, 2009 - 6:30 AM CST
