CHENEY DUE AT A.V. RALLY.

Byline: Charles F. Bostwick Staff Writer

LANCASTER - Republican Vice Presidential candidate Dick Cheney will speak Wednesday at a Lancaster rally that is open to the public.

After a $1,000 a plate breakfast with about 80 campaign contributors, Cheney will make a public speech that is expected to center on presidential candidate George W. Bush's defense policy.

``They decided this was a great aerospace industry area so this would be a good area to talk about defense,'' said Sharon Runner, chairman for the Bush-Cheney campaign in northern Los Angeles County, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. ``I think the goal would be to motivate even more volunteers in the community to help get out the vote for Bush-Cheney this fall.''

The event grew out of the plans to host a fundraising event for Bush's California campaign, Runner said.

On a phone message at the Lancaster Republican headquarters, GOP leaders urged military personnel to wear their uniforms and veterans group members to wear the organizations' hats.

The public event will be at the Essex Convention Center, 44916 10th St. W., Lancaster.

Runner, wife of Assemblyman George Runner, R-Lancaster, said the public should arrive at 8 a.m. The doors will open at 8:15. Cheney is expected to arrive around 8:45 a.m. after the breakfast engagement.

Admission is free and there is no need for reservations, she said.