Posted on 08/28/2008 7:13:34 AM PDT by MeanWestTexan
Over the past days, I've done a few profiles on some of the folks considered likely candidates to be McCain's veep. I outlined my problems with Joe Lieberman here. The reasons why Huck is the wrong choice are manifold.
Before today, my favorite of the supposed front-runners was Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. Pawlenty may still be my favorite, but after having a look at Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor, I think I may have a new favorite. Cantor is SOLID, across the board, on the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, securing the border, imposing fiscal responsibility on Washington and the Right to Life. (The interest group ratings for Eric Cantor referenced below are here.) Conservatives have reason to be very happy if John McCain announces Eric Cantor as his running mate.
Eric Cantor on Gun Control
Eric Cantor has racked up consistent A's from the NRA year-after-year. Over the 2002-2007 time frame, Cantor received an average of 71% from Gun Owners of America--no mean feat (John McCain's average GOA rating from 2000-2006 was 38%). Cantor can be considered solid on guns.
Eric Cantor on Borders and Immigration Both FAIR and ABI have given Cantor consistently high marks over his congressional career. His career average is 81%--a nice contrast to John McCain's 13% rating (which also included ratings from AIC and U.S. Border Control).
Eric Cantor on Taxes and Spending The ratings of Club for Growth and Citizens Against Government Waste show that Eric Cantor is on the side of the angels on tax and spending issues. Of course, John McCain is on the right side of this issue, as well, so this is not quite as important as it might otherwise be. Still, why not have two deficit hawks on the ticket?
Eric Cantor on Abortion Throughout his congressional career, Cantor has racked up consistent 100% ratings from National Right to Life and consistent 0% ratings from NARAL. For the math-challenged in the audience, I'll remind everyone that you can't do better than 100%. I don't care what your football coach told you.
In sum, conservatives have every reason to be thrilled at the prospect of McCain adding either Tim Pawlenty or Eric Cantor to the ticket.
NRO (Mona Charen) Club for Growth Rev. Land (and various other Evangelical/Life supporters) Red State Jawa Report Innumerous conservative Congresscritters
Have all come out in favor of Cantor.
Means it must be that McCain picked Pawlenty (OK, in a "who cares" sort of way) or my pro-abortion senator Kay Bailey.
A vaguely discouraged Cantor ping.
(No reason to be discouraged, but that McCain generally disappoints.)
Cantor is hawt. ;)
I’m preparing to be disappointed in McCain’s choice.
Whether or not Cator is selected as VP, he is a rising star in the GOP. Having his name in consideration has allowed many of us to become familiar with him and his style and stance on issues.
This is a plus for him, and for the party, no matter which way it turns out.
Ditto!
JM most likely WON'T be considering the conservatives in his pick.
If McCain chooses Cantor I’d be pleasantly surprised.
DRUDGE has a poll up now- who will McCain pick?
I saw Pawlenty on Fox this morning and I must say he is better than I thought.
BTW, all this hype about needing someone who is a great debater to take on Biden, well it is stupid.
The Veep guys are having one debate. ONE
yes, i agree... and at some point he must move out of The House of Reps... perhaps governor of VA?
If not, he’ll be around, and in some ways might be more of an asset in the House.
Either Eric Cantor or Mike Pence would be great. One, or the other, could put a new face on the future of the Republican Party......... a decidedly conservative new face.
NRO (Mona Charen) Club for Growth Rev. Land (and various other Evangelical/Life supporters) Red State Jawa Report Innumerous conservative Congresscritters
Have all come out in favor of Cantor.
_______________________________________
The reknown and finicky Tennessee Nana has come out in favor of Eric cantor...
:)
:)
Yes but they can be memorable. Cheney gutting Edwards with his bare hands, comes to mind.
It’s the Eric Cantor on name recognition that I worry about. It was only in the last couple of days when his name was being bounced around that most of us heard his name for the first time. But then again, if you go back in time many past Veeps were also not well known.
yes, names like Agnew and Quayle come to mind. Cantor is great, but he is a risk with the MSM.
I fully expect he will live up to that statement.
Thanks for that link. Admitting until yesterday I did not even now who Cantor was, I have some catching up to do.
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