Shenandoah County GOP

CNN Late Edition (11 A.M.)

Wolf Blitzer will as always interview a wide variety of guests, but the most interesting is Eric Cantor, Congressman from the neighboring 7th District, which is perhaps the 6th Districts biggest rival in terms of being the most Republican in the state. The District stretches from Page to the Richmond Suburbs. 

Cantor’s appearance is of interest for three reasons: One, his district contains several counties represented by Delegate Todd Gilbert (Page and Rappahannock). Two, he has quickly gained a national profile, being the only Jewish Republican in Congress and very conservative. He has a “no earmarks” policy and is the chief deputy whip. 

But perhaps most importantly, Cantor has been mentioned as a possible VP candidate. Cantor would certainly make an interesting choice (he certainly has fans across the blogosphere). He would certainly help McCain in Virginia, which has suddenly become a swing state. He would also balance out McCain ideologically yet not sharply contrast the Senator, as they share the same outsider view on earmarks.Finally, at 45, he provide a bit of contrast to the Senator’s age. However, he does have a very important liability: Cantor is not particularly well known outside of political circles. 

However, appearance like this are a very important step to entering the Veepstakes. For more on the thinking that lies behind picking a vice-president, read this article from Congressional Quarterly’s blogger Taegan Goddard.