Dick Cheney's daughters Liz and Mary, a lesbian, feud over gay rights
Row between siblings erupts over social media as politically ambitious Liz attacks same-sex marriage in public row with lesbian sister Mary
They were the two sisters who tagged along on campaigns, polite and smiling as their father, former vice-president Dick Cheney, rose through Wyoming and then Washington politics to become one of the most powerful men in the United States.
"We were as close as sisters can be," recalled Mary Cheney of her relationship with her older sister, Liz.
But now, a feud between the two has spilled into public view, involving social media, an angry same-sex spouse, a high-profile election and a father who feels uncomfortably caught between his two children.
The situation has deteriorated so much that the two sisters have not spoken since the summer. The whole fuss threatens to get in the way of something their father desperately wants - a US Senate seat for Liz.
Things erupted on Sunday when Mary Cheney, a lesbian, and her wife were at home watching - their usual weekend ritual.
Liz Cheney appeared on the show and said she opposed same-sex marriage, describing it as "just an area where we disagree", referring to her sister.
Hurt and taken aback, Mary Cheney took to her Facebook page to blast back: "Liz - this isn't just an issue on which we disagree you're just wrong - and on the wrong side of history."
