August 28, 2008
Who is Rep. Eric Cantor?
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.
