Jewish Telegraphic Agency In second term, Cantor rises rapidly in Republican leadership Monday, December 16, 2002 By: Matthew E. Berger Two years ago, Eric Cantor was one of 435, a freshman lawmaker on Capitol Hill. Now, with only one term under his belt, Cantor (R-Va.) is a leader, the chief deputy whip of the Republican caucus and the only Jewish Republican in the House. Cantor, 39, was appointed to the prestigious post of chief deputy whip earlier this month, a position previously held by Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), now the majority whip, and by the current speaker of the House,...