eric cantor
Not long ago I was invited to attend a reception hosted by David McSweeney, the Republican nominee for 8th district Congress, which honored Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.). Always impressed as I have been with McSweeney, I was startled—absolutely startled—to see and hear an out-of-state Republican Congressman who matches McSweeney with fresh insights and courage. At 39, Cantor, from Richmond, is a successful businessman, was elected in 2000, is the only—believe it or not—the only Jewish Republican member of Congress. Pro-life and socially conservative, Cantor is a brilliant member of Congress and deputy GOP Whip. Hearing the two of them discuss the issues is like being in the same room with a very young Milton Friedman and a youthful Henry Hyde. The only thing they disagreed about was term limits: McSweeney pledged to bow out after six years, Cantor determined to stay longer. When you compare them to the usual run-of-the mill products the Republicans produce on C-SPAN, it’s wonderful to feel excited again about party prospects.
Cantor is a member of Ways and Means. His trip to Chicago was to encourage 8th district voters to elect McSweeney. The two of them would give great hope to national Republicans who are beginning to think that the House GOP is getting tired and burned out. Then when you consider the prospect of electing Peter Roskam in the 6th you get hopeful once more.
Tom,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the report on McSweeney and Cantor. They are shining lights of hope. I respectfully disagree with your conclusion regarding the House GOP being tired.
I don't think the rank and file membership of the House GOP is tired. In fact, I believe several Republican members of the House and Senate show vitality and commitment to conservative issues.
I believe the trouble lies with the tired and confused GOP leadership in both houses of Congress. The Republican leadership is a great disappoint to me.
While I would rather see the House in Republican hands, I will not be surprised if the Democrats retake control in November. I certainly understand why many American voters elect not to participate in elections. How does one identify a difference between Washington's GOP and Democrats?
From social issues to government spending, today's Republicans behave like 1970s Democrats.
Perhaps this new generation of Republican candidates can turn things around. It's hard to imagine they could do more damage than the current crop Republicans.