Cheney, Simpson Family Feud Ends When Liz Drops Out of Race

By dropping her Senate bid in Wyoming for family health reasons, Liz Cheney has restored the relationship with longtime family friend and former Sen. Al Simpson, who backed the opposition candidate, Politico reported Monday.

Cheney called Simpson's daughter Susan on Sunday night to let her know she was backing out of the race because her daughter was diagnosed with diabetes. Cheney asked if Simpson would tell her father of her decision, Politico reported.

On Monday morning, Simpson, 82, called Cheney back.

"She's doing the thing she felt she must do as a mother," Simpson said. "It was a very wonderful conversation today that I had with Liz. She told me about the situation and why she's doing it. She's doing the right thing, in her view, as a mother."

Simpson was a vocal supporter of Republican Sen. Mike Enzi, the incumbent Cheney was challenging in the 2014 GOP primary, Politico reported.

Cheney, 47, also had a vicious falling out with her sister Mary over gay rights issues. Mary is a lesbian who married her partner last year.

The split between the Simpsons and the Cheneys spiraled downward when Al Simpson accused Liz Cheney's mother, Lynne, of telling him at a charity function to "shut up" about the reasons why he could not support her daughter.

Lynne Cheney denied the allegations, Politico reported, and Simpson wrote a letter to the local paper accusing Lynne of telling "one damn bald-faced lie."

Dick Cheney, who had been friends with Simpson for more than 40 years, refused to say hello to his old GOP pal Simpson at a function a week later, Politico said.

"There's a great future for her," Simpson said about the conversation he had with the 47-year-old mom. "In Wyoming politics, there's a great future for Liz Cheney because she's a very remarkable person — skilled, professional, and sharp. She'll do something in the future. We'll all be there for her."

"I don't know what it might be," he added, "but I know at some time, it will be very appropriate for her. She is a part of Wyoming's political future."

As for Dick Cheney, Simpson said: "It's just a rich friendship, which will now be restored."

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• Liz Cheney Pulls Out of Wyoming Primary