Posted on 08/11/2008 9:22:16 AM PDT by MeanWestTexan
The vice presidential buzz in recent days has been all about a possible selection by Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama of Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh as his running mate.
But the real vice presidential courtship may be developing on the Republican side.
John McCain is reportedly getting very serious -- indeed, there is some talk that the Republican candidate's staff is already at the vetting stage -- about Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor.
It is true that Cantor is a virtual unknown nationally.
But Cantor, the Republican chief deputy whip in the House, is one of the rising stars of the party's conservative wing.
The fourth-term congressman is a leading voice in the party on economic issues -- expressing the Reaganite view on taxes and spending better than McCain ever has.
He's a former chair of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare.
Cantor is, as well, from what is turning out to be a swing state.
He is Jewish, which could help McCain in several other swing states, including Florida.
And he's got something else that McCain lacks: youth.
At a boyish 45, Cantor is the better part of two generations younger than his party's presumptive presidential nominee.
Still, it should be pointed out that Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, is younger and more experienced than Cantor.
Jindal said “no.”
Palin has her hands full with her family and she will unfairly get slimed by her association with the Senator who got indicted.
Who'd you have in mind? Maybe the liberal, Willard Myth Romney? LOL
McCain should go with a real deal conservative. Eric Cantor would be a good fit.
To repeat a post:
Well, hes a 97% ACU conservative. Thats probably more conservative than you.
He lost his cousin to arab terrorists, and is personally motivated against terrorists been on lots of Congressional Committees re: unconventional warfare and terrorism. Be a natural fit on that issue in an administration.
Hes articulate, young, and is leading the revolt against Pelosi on oil drilling.
Hes not afraid to mix it up, and the Dims call him an attack dog - they dont like Jews who leave the plantation.
The Club for Growth just endorsed the man.
Here are some ratings:
2007 In 2007 NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Representative Cantor a grade of 0.
2006 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 0 percent in 2006.
2006 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the Planned Parenthood 0 percent in 2006.
2005-2006 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 100 percent in 2005-2006.
2007 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the American Conservative Union 100 percent in 2007.
2004 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the Christian Action Network 97 percent during their legislative career up until 2004.
2005-2006 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the National Education Association 0 percent in 2005-2006.
2006 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the American Land Rights Association 100 percent in 2006.
2007 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupations position, Representative Cantor received a rating of -2.
2003 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the Jews for Peace in Palestine and Israel -3 percent in 2003.
2007 In 2007 Gun Owners of America gave Representative Cantor a rating of A-.
2006 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the Gun Owners of America 100 percent in 2006.
2006 Based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionnaire sent to all Congressional candidates in 2006, the National Rifle Association assigned Representative Cantor a grade of A (with grades ranging from a high of A+ to a low of F).
2007 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the English First 100 percent in 2007.
2007 In 2007 U.S. English gave Representative Cantor a grade of A.
2006 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the American Immigration Lawyers Association 0 percent in 2006.
2006 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the English First 100 percent in 2006.
2007 Representative Cantor supported the interests of the AFL-CIO 4 percent in 2007.
Etc.
That's not the point. Historically, presidential nominees have always choose someone opposite. Governor Clinton chose Senator Gore. Governor Bush chose (former) Representative Cheney.
Sorry, but McCain needs to choose a Governor here. The best options for McCain are Mike Rounds of SD or Sarah Palin of AK. Hopefully he doesn't pick Romney but I'll still hold my nose if he does.
Yeah but Carter & Clinton both won the WH though. Voters overwhelmingly prefer Governors as Presidents. That's only one Senator has won the WH since Reconstruction and that was JFK. Had it not been for Huckabee, Romney would have won the nomination as well.
I don’t know. I think the youth and freshness of a Cantor candidacy would be good. He would become an overnight media sensation. He has more experience in the House than Ferraro had, and hopefully not as much of the baggage. At least he doesn’t have the husband problem Ferraro did.
If Obama picks the dull Sen Bayh as his running mate, Cantor would outshine him in their debate.
Nothing that I see...
I awoke this morning to hear on my local news that the McCains had dinner and stayed overnight w/the Ridges @ their Erie home. I hope it was to discuss northern PA wines, or how about dem Stillerz...but I would guess that I am wrong.
Well, this time a Senator will win the white house.
VP could be from anywhere. Me, I want one who can step into Cheney’s roll of anti-terrorism and being the “bad cop” to “nice cop” McCain.
Cantor’s that guy.
Pity.
There's always '12 or '16
I’m hoping and praying for Cantor to be the VP pick. Especially since we are in a war against muslim extremists.
And yeah, I’d like to see one of my own (Jewish) in the VP spot. Does that make me a racist? LOL!
Quite.....what an inane headline!
OK,That’s funny:)
"You'll put yer eye out, kid!"
Of course.
The pubies know they can always count on your vote.
Conservatism: It's the new black.
She already is being slimed. Too bad. I think she’s a gem.
Probably.
OTOH I'm a goy, and I feel the same way about Cantor. Not sure what that makes me...
Say it ain’t so Joe.
Conservative and smart?
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