GOP Nominee
Former Candidates
This press release is as close to an official endorsement as you can get:
Club for Growth PAC Statement on Eric Cantor
Washington – Recent reports that GOP presidential nominee John McCain is vetting Congressman Eric Cantor (VA-07) for the vice-presidential slot has prompted inquiries from the Club for Growth PAC about Rep. Cantor’s record on economic issues.In short, Rep. Cantor’s record in the House, beginning in 2001, has been consistently strong in several economic policy areas, including free trade, school choice, tort reform, drilling in ANWR, and tax cuts. In the key area of government spending, Cantor’s record started out less strong, but has shown marked improvement in recent years, to the point where Cantor now ranks among the most pro-growth members in the House.
The Republicans’ resounding defeat at the polls in 2006 was a watershed event for the GOP Caucus in the House. Some GOP pork spending leaders, such as Rep. Don Young (R-AK), learned nothing from voters’ rejection of the GOP’s profligate ways and continued on their merry earmarking way. Others in the GOP took to heart the need to return the party to its limited government moorings. Rep. Eric Cantor is clearly in the latter group.
Over the past two years, Rep. Cantor has been one of the few Republicans to come to grips with the sorry state of the GOP and lead by example. If Senator McCain wants to win in November, he will need to choose someone who recognizes how badly Republicans have strayed from the principles of limited government and economic freedom. Eric Cantor gets it.
Rep. Cantor is one of only 41 House members to swear off earmarks this year. Just last week, he joined 62 of his House colleagues in supporting an amendment offered by Rep. Flake to strip 103 earmarks from the Military Construction-VA Appropriations Bill (RC #560, 08/01/08).
In 2007, Rep. Cantor rose to the top of the Republican Caucus, scoring a 95% on the Club for Growth’s Congressional Scorecard and ranking 21st overall in the entire House. Over the past two years, Cantor has taken a number of courageous votes in favor of cutting government spending:
- Cantor was 1 of 91 Republicans to vote against the farm bill and voted to sustain the President’s veto of the bill (RC #315, 05/14/08) (RC #346, 05/21/08)
- Cantor was 1 of 54 Republicans to sustain the President’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act (RC #1040, 11/06/07)
- Cantor was 1 of 41 Republicans to sustain the President’s veto of a bill to increase Medicare payments (RC #491, 07/15/08)
- Cantor voted against the Democratic housing bill, imposing new costs and new regulations on American taxpayers and businesses (RC #519, 07/23/08)
“McCain’s vice-presidential pick will be crucial for his campaign and for the future of the GOP,” said Club for Growth President Pat Toomey. “Choosing someone like Mike Huckabee would indicate an abandonment of limited-government, free-market principles. However, picking someone like Eric Cantor, who has tried to help the Republican Party reclaim the mantel of fiscal conservatism, could make the difference between victory and defeat. For economic conservatives, Eric Cantor would be a good choice.”
PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Interesting… Cantor might be a good VP pick (though I think Mac wins VA on his own).
Though it wouldn’t be a Club for Growth press release without another unfair knock on Mike Huckabee’s supposed lack of economic consevatosm.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
From what I’ve seen of Cantor, I like him - but I don’t think he has what McCain needs in a Veep. First of all, he is not tested in any kind of broad campaign, in fact, his electoral history suggests that he hasn’t been tested at all - he has never won less than 64% of the vote in a district that hasn’t had a Democratic rep since 1970. Secondly, he lacks any kind of executive experience, or economic experience -two things that I believe Mccain needs on the ticket, since Obama is likely to add at least one. Finally, I just don’t see the point of him as the pick. What does he bring? He lacks broad name recogniton, and has never held a statewide position. At most, he would be a counter to Tim Kaine if he is picked, but even then…you would be essentially hinging the entire election on one state.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Wow, CFG sure doesn’t like Huckabee.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Eric Cantor?
I still think he looks like Sarah Palin.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
can anyone find the logic behind a Cantor Pick?
August 6th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
can anyone find the logic behind a Cantor Pick?
August 6th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
“can anyone find the logic behind a Cantor Pick?”
Can anyone find the logic in “act-blog’s” argument that a POTUS has selected a “tested” VP? It appears as if “act” is creating history?
August 6th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
While I would not mind Mr. Cantor, I am not sure that he can sell politically. While he would keep Virginia for us, but would add little in the other swing states. He would probably do an OK job and he is certainly Conservative, but for some reason, I just do not think he is the right guy. CFG has over-played their hand and their endorsement of Mr. Cantor probably back fired.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Aron,
Is it true Jindal is doing to keynote?
August 6th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
The last VP to come from the House was Ford - and he was never elected to the position. Before that, I don’t know. Who was the last VP to be part of a winning ticket who had never competed in, at least, a statewide election? I’ll exclude Cheney - since he held a number of executive-level positions.
With 30% saying that the Veep could be a factor, I don’t think we can go with an unknown house member.
—
BUT, lets exclude the “tested” part. What is the logic in a Cantor pick?
—
btw, this will be on my radio show tonight, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/act-cast 11:00 PM
August 6th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
#10, what type oif call volume can you handle?
August 6th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
five at a time.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Eric Cantor os a great pick for McCain, a solid conservative that helps in FL, OH, NJ AND can win VA–This seems to be a no brainer. He stretches the map for McCain and forces Obama to play defense in Dem states. Oh and he can raise McCain lots of money, which McCain desperatly needs. The obscurity issues is fixable, like Lieberman or Cheney–once the msm goes wall to wall on a guy, it will be fixed.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
CFG, does more harm than good for Republicans. For the most part they target incumbent Republicans who aren’t pure libertarians so they can help elect a liberal Democrat.
I think our party should have room for those of us who don’t subscribe to libertarian economics.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
I can’t wait for Metro’s reply to that comment
August 6th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
#14, Not sure about that. Fiscal liberals are the reason why the GOP is in the trouble we are in today.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Doug: Libertarianism involves more than free-market economics, although that’s a major component. CFG, as far as I know, doesn’t take positions on social issues that also matter to many libertarians.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I’m not aware of many fiscal liberals in the GOP. We’ve got a few dozen moderates (in the House and Senate) but none of them are as fiscally liberal as the average Democratic House member.
I think there’s little evidence to blame our current problems on lack of pure libertarianism. I doubt we’d have won any modern election if we’d run as pure economic libertarians.
I think our problems lay in corruption, incompetence, war, and a boredom with our antiquated ideological answers to modern problems.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Increase spending, taxes, and expansion of Government. That would classify someone as a fiscal liberal.
I am a member of the CFG, so take what I say in perspective.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Kristofer, you listening to my show?
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/act-cast
August 6th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Yes! You are doing a great job!
August 6th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Kristofer, since you said you were a member of CFG, maybe you could explain something to me. Why is CFG so against Huckabee? The only things his state spent money on were education, healthcare, prisons, and roads. Yes, I understand that taxes went up, but they paid for that education, healthcare, prisons, roads. And I thought I read that comparing it to the national average for a given time period that is was a small percentage. And what expansion of govt actually took place under Huckabee? Didn’t both the NYT and Dick Morris write an article stating where Huckabee was not a fiscal liberal?
Then, my next question for you, why are “fees” ok with CFG, but not taxes? Doesn’t Pawlenty have a questionable fiscal record because he increased fees? And of course, Romney increased fees? So why did CFG not attack them as well?
If you could explain all of that in a nonderogatory manner about Huckabee I would appreciate it.
Thanks
August 6th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Act - I just started listening for the 1st time. Who are your guests tonight?
August 6th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Alex and Kristofer
August 6th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Very nice. It’s cool to hear the voices of guys whose words I read all day long. Kristofer sounds quite a bit like Jason Bonham.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
That blogtalkradio stuff is pretty intriguing. I think I’m going to start a segment myself, if only to improve my speaking ability.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Interesting show …. I think Kavon should consider an R4′08 blogtalk station … i think it would be quite entertaining to hear some of our favorite posters and commentators speak for an hour or so each week … I just wish Act wasn’t up against The Daily Show and the Colbert Report … entertaining show … well done ..
August 6th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
How did I end up defending Romney on that show??? LOL!
August 6th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Because Alex attacks Romney so much that level-headed people have to at least defend the guy even if Romney isn’t your favorite politician or VP candidate.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Actually, I’ve been cleared to take a primetime slot if I want it. I’m considering moving the show to 9 PM.
What do you think?
Keep it where it is, or move to 9 O’clock?
August 6th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Was that HearMeRoar who called in?
Cantor;
Interesting that his cousin was murdered in a terrist attack.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
econ grad stud, capitalist (or “libertarian” as you call it) economics can and does sell, but Republicans haven’t been very good at it since Reagan.
August 7th, 2008 at 12:27 am
[...] Kavon Nikrad: Recent reports that GOP presidential nominee John McCain is vetting Congressman Eric Cantor [...]
August 7th, 2008 at 2:01 am
Me thinks they have inside knowledge that Huckabee is on the short-list.
August 7th, 2008 at 2:14 am
Saw him on Fox News today. He didn’t strike me as an insta-star. Something you need if you’re going to pluck someone out of obscurity or risk branding by the opposition.
Maybe he has a future, but I think he’s got to do it the old-fashioned way an earn his place in the pecking order for a run in 8-12 years.
August 7th, 2008 at 11:01 am
#34. Me thinks CFG just does not like Mike’s fiscal record.
August 7th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Cantor would be a great VP. Now who can we get for a really great presidential candidate?
August 7th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
C4G through Bobby Jindahl under the bus…apparently they have their own agenda.
August 9th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Lieberman ‘on McCain short-list’
By Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington
Published: August 9 2008 00:35 | Last updated: August 9 2008 00:35
Joe Lieberman, the former Democratic vice-presidential nominee who has endorsed John McCain, is being vetted as a potential running mate for the Republican presidential hopeful, according to an adviser to Mr McCain’s campaign.
Mr Lieberman, who has campaigned for the Arizona senator, has long been considered an unconventional but plausible choice for Mr McCain.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
In depth: US campaign 2008 - Aug-05Bill Clinton given prime Denver role - Aug-08John Edwards admits extramarital affair - Aug-08Woman in the News: Paris Hilton - Aug-08Democratic jitters as Obama heads home - Aug-07Obama adviser blames McCain ad for poll dip - Aug-06Although Democrats have rejected Mr McCain’s image as a maverick politician, Mr Lieberman’s support for the presumptive Republican nominee has, much to the chagrin of his former colleagues, helped to boost Mr McCain’s reputation as a bi-partisan legislator with friends on both sides of the aisle. Mr Lieberman, a staunch supporter of Israel, could also help Mr McCain win over Jewish voters.
“[McCain] loves Lieberman. And he is on the [short-]list because Lieberman has never embarrassed anyone, never misspoken. The first rule is, don’t take someone who costs you votes,” said one McCain adviser.
But not everyone would be enthusiastic about Mr Lieberman being added to the ticket. While Mr Lieberman has staunchly defended Mr McCain’s support of the surge, the escalation of US troops in Iraq, and the lawmakers have teamed up on legislative proposals to combat global warming, the registered independent is aligned with Democrats on most other issues.
“Conservatives would be pissed as hell – I think you would have a revolt, but sometimes John does what John wants to do,” the McCain adviser said.
Another McCain adviser said that it was unlikely that the Republican candidate would base his decision on “tactical considerations”.
“He can be pragmatic, but on the biggest decisions he tends to favour his instinct for the bigger picture,” the adviser said.
Mr Lieberman’s office declined to comment. But when the senator was asked recently whether he would decline a request by Mr McCain he said: “It’s not going to happen”.
Mr Lieberman has left open the possibility that he would speak at the Republican National Convention, a move that would probably ensure that Democrats would strip him of his chairmanship of the committee on homeland security. Democratic leaders allowed Mr Lieberman to caucus with them in the Senate even after he left the party to become an independent, because it gave the party control of the Senate. However, most analysts agree that if, as expected, Democrats win more seats in this year’s election, Mr Lieberman will be forced out of his coveted role on the committee.
Speculation surrounding Mr McCain’s short-list of potential nominees has so far focused on Republicans, including Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor and his rival for the Republican nomination, Tim Pawlenty, the governor of Minnesota, and Rob Portman, the former Ohio congressman.
The McCain campaign declined to comment.
August 10th, 2008 at 11:48 am
For McCain, There’s Only One Perfect Candidate for Veep
By Stuart Rothenberg
We all hear the same names mentioned as prospective running mates for John McCain: former Office of Management and Budget Director and one-time U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and even former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge.
Each one would bring something to the ticket. Some come from crucial swing states that could help McCain reach 270 electoral votes. A number are governors, adding a non- Washington, D.C., piece to the ticket. By most standards, all are good-looking and articulate.
And yet, none of them would change the partisan political equation in the fall election, and I’m not at all sure any of them would increase McCain’s chances of winning in the fall. Certainly none of them would constitute a statement by McCain about his presidency, the kind of statement that would send a message to voters.
There is, however, somebody who would fill that bill and therefore be a near-perfect pick for McCain: Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman.
Lieberman, 66, served in the Connecticut House (including a stint as Majority Leader) before winning election as state attorney general. In 1988, he won a Senate seat by upsetting incumbent Sen. Lowell Weicker, a very liberal Republican who was both arrogant and aloof.
After easy re-election victories in 1994 and 2000, Lieberman, of course, narrowly lost renomination in 2006, after anti-war groups and angry voters mobilized behind Democratic primary opponent Ned Lamont. But spurning the pleas of his Democratic colleagues, Lieberman ran for another term as an Independent and defeated Lamont by 10 points, with solid support from the state’s GOP voters.
Lieberman’s selection to McCain’s ticket would send a clear message about bipartisanship and about McCain’s desire to change the way things are done. While the Democratic nominee surely will talk about bringing people together and “change,” a truly bipartisan McCain-Lieberman ticket would trump any and all Democratic rhetoric.
The selection of Lieberman would have particular appeal to independent voters, who are likely to be a key swing group later this year.
Second, Lieberman is clearly ready and able to be president, if need be. Even many of his critics acknowledge that he is a man of accomplishment, experience and integrity. Since Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore selected Lieberman for his running mate in 2000, Democrats would have a hard time attacking the Connecticut Senator on anything but his position on Iraq.
Third, selecting Lieberman would anger both conservatives and Democrats. In other words, it’s a “two-fer” for McCain, who seems to relish those moments when he can stick it to people he doesn’t like. Just think how McCain would chuckle at the thought of annoying both ends of the political spectrum.
But wouldn’t social conservatives, in particular, go bananas, since Lieberman is moderate or liberal on most issues other than Iraq? He supports abortion rights, generally votes with organized labor and is an unapologetic environmentalist. Conservatives would revolt, wouldn’t they?
Probably not. While there would be the usual fist-pounding from some “movement conservatives,” their anger at the selection would quickly dissipate when they saw the fury unleashed by liberals and Democratic bloggers.
When, during the previous cycle’s Senate race, I wrote a column that included some favorable mentions of Lieberman, I was belted by bloggers on the left, all of whom see the Connecticut Senator as a sellout and the chief cheerleader of a war they regard as outrageous. They wouldn’t be able to control their fury, which would both allow McCain to appear reasonable in the face of their anger and make Lieberman more palatable to those on the right.
In addition, McCain strategists could note that Lieberman very publicly criticized Bill Clinton’s relationship with Monica Lewinsky as “immoral” and has spoken over the years about the dangers of violence coming from Hollywood, another conservative bogeyman. That too would placate some conservatives.
And Lieberman is an observant Jew, which would resonate with both evangelicals and Jewish voters.
But doesn’t McCain need someone significantly younger as a running mate? Lieberman is only a few years younger than McCain, so the ticket would be very old, especially compared with the likely Democratic ticket.
Possibly, but does anyone really believe that by picking a 50-year-old governor McCain would erase age as an issue and neutralize the Democrats’ advantage on change? It wouldn’t.
Wouldn’t the selection of Lieberman only emphasize Iraq and McCain’s support for the surge, making an unpopular war even more front and center for McCain?
Of course, but does anyone really believe that Democrats won’t wrap the surge around McCain’s neck if that’s in their interest? It doesn’t matter who McCain picks for his running mate. Even if he picks a governor from Minnesota or South Carolina, McCain owns the surge already.
I don’t expect McCain to pick Lieberman. It’s a quirky pick with risks, some of which I’ve noted in this column. But no matter whom he selects, McCain ought to think outside the box. Picking a younger governor who is acceptable to conservatives but brings little else to the table would be passing up an opportunity to make a statement.
Stuart Rothenberg is the editor of the The Rothenberg Political Report, and a regular columnist for Roll Call Newspaper.
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Stuart Rothenberg
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