From Jonathan Martin, covering Tim Pawlenty at the National Press Club today:

Pawlenty, offering an imitation of his candidate's "straight talk," didn't mince words when asked if Vice President Cheney's absence from the GOP convention next month would be conspicuous.

"Ahh, yes," he replied quickly. Pawlenty, reaching a bit, did point out that modern conventions have been "condensed," though.

Indeed, by his absence, Cheney might be the most conspicuous Republican of them all at the convention.