Cantor returns to the House

By Brian McNeill

Published: November 4, 2008

U.S. Rep. Eric I. Cantor, R-Henrico, will return to Washington for a fifth term representing voters in Virginia’s 7th District.

Cantor, 45, was re-elected Tuesday with 63.7 percent of the vote over Democratic challenger Anita Hartke of Culpeper, with 87.3 percent of the precincts reporting.

The 7th District includes the counties of Madison, Orange and Louisa, as well as portions of the Richmond metropolitan area.

Cantor coasted to re-election during the campaign, buoyed by a vast fundraising advantage over his opponent. Heading into Election Day, Cantor had spent $3.3 million on his re-election bid, compared with only $55,500 spent by Hartke, according to Federal Election Commission records.

“We had a big victory tonight, but it’s really thanks to all my supporters who worked so hard,” Cantor said. “I’m ready to go back to Washington tomorrow, roll up my sleeves, and get to work.”

Hartke, a political novice and real estate broker, said she plans to run against Cantor again in 2010.

“We need some fresh ideas and some new directions in Washington,” she said. “There’s a great deal of people on my side, I just got in the race too late.”

During Cantor’s re-election campaign, he emphasized cutting taxes to help families weather the economic downturn and to allow businesses to create new jobs. Specifically, Cantor promised to work toward slashing corporate taxes and eliminating payroll taxes altogether on overtime pay.

“I’m confident we can get this economy back on track,” Cantor said.

Since Cantor’s second term, he has served as the chief deputy Republican whip in the House. And in recent weeks, he has made a vigorous effort to assist fellow GOP House members running for election across the country.

Cantor’s political action committee, ERIC PAC — which stands for Every Republican is Crucial — spent $2.3 million during this election cycle, sending $900,000 to 126 Republican candidates, including $10,000 each for Virginia GOP incumbents Virgil H. Goode Jr., Thelma Drake, Rob Wittman, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Jim Gilmore and Northern Virgina congressional candidate Keith Fimian.

Such heightened activity from Cantor’s PAC has fueled speculation that he is aiming to move up in his party’s leadership. Cantor demurred Tuesday when asked if he is aiming to make such a move, but left the door open.

“We want to wait until the dust settles, but if there’s an opportunity to serve not just the people of the 7th District but the rest of the country as well, then I’d be interested in doing that.”

Cantor is widely seen as a rising conservative star in the Republican Party and was reportedly considered as a vice presidential running mate for GOP presidential nominee John McCain.

Turnout appeared to be fairly high in the 7th District on Tuesday, according to early returns posted by 9:30 p.m. by the State Board of Elections.