Posted on 11/14/2006 6:24:49 AM PST by HastertFan
Unhappy with the current candidates, a small but aggressive group of House Republicans are agitating for current Chief Deputy Majority Whip Eric Cantor (Va.) to get into the race for Minority Whip, according to interviews with multiple GOP lawmakers who requested anonymity.
These Members are emboldened by what they say is a lack of support for incumbent Majority Whip Roy Blunts (Mo.) campaign, and frustration that the popular Cantor opted out of a leadership bid in deference to Blunt, who elevated the Virginian to Chief Deputy Whip when he was a freshman.
Cantor has pledged to not challenge Blunt head-on in a leadership race a pledge Cantor has no intention of breaking, according to sources not affiliated with Cantors office.
Members interviewed for this story stopped short of officially calling it a draft movement to get Cantor in the Whip race, but they are examining Republican Conference rules governing leadership races to discuss options to get Cantor on the ballot through a nominating petition, or spark a grass-roots campaign for him as a write-in candidate for Whip.
But Cantor would scramble the current dynamic as Members who have committed to Shadegg could jump ship if Cantor somehow gets in. I am supporting John Shadegg but if Eric gets in the race, hes got my support, said a third Member.
Privately, Shadegg also has told lawmakers that he would maintain Cantor as Chief Deputy Whip if he is elected, according to Members.
(Excerpt) Read more at rollcall.com ...
I say why not draft him or write him in. The only way we are going to change this Congress is if we do it ourselves!
Starting with a write-in candidate that will throw the Dems and the media on their ear.
Richmond ping for my Congresscritter, Eric Cantor.
Bump. His name is new to me -- What do you know about him.
Just wondering if/when you're gonna change your screen name? and to what? (G)
I had the pleasure of voting for Eric Cantor, who won reelection with ease. He'd be an excellent choice.
I like Eric - a good role model for my son, who is also Jewish!
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