Cantor as VP Fuels Buzz, Skepticism

By Adam Dickter - New York Jewish Week
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 - Web Link
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August 13, 2008

In his quest to find a running mate in this historic election year, Sen. John McCain is apparently looking to one of the nation’s smallest minority groups: Jewish Republicans.

News that the presumptive GOP presidential contender is considering Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor, the only Jewish Republican in the House, as his running mate has generated plenty of buzz and opened the possibility of a Jewish candidate on the national ticket for the second time in eight years.

“If it’s real, it’s a very big deal,” said Jeff Wiesenfeld, a Jewish Republican and investment manager from Long Island who served as Jewish liaison under former New York Gov. George Pataki.

McCain’s top Jewish advisor, Fred Zeidman, on Tuesday spoke enthusiastically about Cantor, 45, whom

he described as a friend, but did not say he was urging McCain to choose Cantor.

“I think the world of Eric; he’s a phenomenal guy,” said Zeidman, who said Cantor would be a guest at his Houston home this weekend. “He looks right for the part and I couldn’t be more excited.”

While the McCain campaign has not commented on Cantor, the Associated Press this week reported that he is providing background information for the vetting process.
“It’s not surprising that Sen. John McCain would recognize Rep. Eric Cantor’s appeal as a potential vice president,” reads a statement from the Republican Jewish Coalition. “On issues from taxes and energy to Israel’s security and the threat of Iran, Cantor has been a consistent and effective leader.”

Cantor declined to comment on the speculation at a press conference on Monday intended to critique the energy policies of Democratic contender Barack Obama.
A call to his office Tuesday was not returned.