IIRC, Vice President Cheney stated exactly the opposite of this article's premise in a recent interview. He's here for the duration.
Absolutely look what he said at CPAC on Thursday, plus look at the photo of him he hardly looks ill does he.
"""All of us know there is much yet to do, and you can be certain that President Bush and I are eager for the work ahead. On his behalf, I want to thank our many friends gathered here tonight. We are deeply grateful for your support, and for the high honor of serving the American people for four more years.
Thank you very much."""
I think you recall correctly. But he's also stated he won't run for the presidency. So that would leave the Republican party high and dry in 08. He can always claim after the statement that his doctors have insisted he step down.
If Hillary runs in 08, which she probably will, the Republicans have to run Rice or someone with similar demographic appeal. I don't think that's the way to get the most qualified person into the highest office on earth, but it would keep Hillary from that office.