COME HITHER Cheney

Remember when Dick Cheney was a sex symbol? Oh, sure, he's had a tough week. First, he stood by his refusal to hand over classified documents to the National Archives, using the incredibly lame excuse that he isn't part of the executive branch. For this, Democrats called him out, declaring that they'll cut off his congressional funds unless he acknowledges where his office resides—Rep. Rahm Emanuel is now moving forward with that plan, even though Cheney now says he's not actually a member of the Senate, either.

But there was once a time when a sizable number of people not only respected the veep, but also when many women found him to be, well, sexually attractive. Back when Bush and Cheney were first running for the White House in 2000, a number of ladies started a group named "Cheney Chicks," with a message board devoted to the man they found to be such an incredible hunk. The proof after the jump ...

• From PhiKapMom: "When he gets that sparkle in his eye before saying something he knows people are going to like, he is just plain cute—also cuddly!"

• From Thinkin' Gal: "... his voice is so hot, the Dems might blame him for global warming, esp. if the icebergs feminists start to melt."

• From Conservobabe: "He made my toes tingle as I heard his speech. This was a MAN speaking, not a boy ... This man is one who will actually go downstairs and investigate the noise that you heard in the middle of the night, instead of trying to say that it is your imagination."

• From illstillbe (clarifying the type of women attracted to Cheney): [Women] "who quietly go about the business of raising families, fueling our society with good and decent people, highlighting their inherent strengths, and partnering with men to make the engine run smoothly and ... seemingly ... effortlessly"

• From Conservobabe (again): "Hush my mouth, but you speak for your own underwear. Mine will be going on to Cheney's campaign stage. Giggle"

Photo: Getty Images