Cheney says GOP full of optimism

The speakers repeatedly contrasted Cheney's businesslike style with that of photogenic Democratic vice presidential candidate Senator John Edwards.

Pawlenty said the choice was about ''steak versus sizzle" and Coleman compared President Bush's allegiance to Cheney, who some have called a drag on the ticket, with Abraham Lincoln's faith in Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant.

''He was rough at times. He didn't look so hot in his uniform. He sometimes used a cuss word," Coleman said of Grant. But he said Lincoln told critics, ''He fights."

Cheney's visit is the latest sign that both parties consider Minnesota a battleground state.

Bush campaigned in Duluth on Tuesday. John F. Kerry visited Cloquet two weeks ago. And Cheney vowed he and Bush will be back.

Dustin Auman, a University of Minnesota student from Richfield, said he turned out for Cheney because he has been key in the fight against terrorism.