Congressman Eric Cantor kicks off 2014 campaign with first ad

Virginia Congressman and U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor has hit the ground running in the 2014 campaign season with an ad that was released Wednesday. The election spot focuses on how the Congressman is standing up for conservatives to repeal Obamacare and reduce spending while highlighting his efforts to create jobs and strengthen families not only in Virginia but in America.

Fundraising reports for this quarter showed Cantor raising $920,000 with over $2 million on hand while his primary challenger Dave Brat raised under $90,000 with only $42,000 on hand. Cantor's fundraising abilities as well as those of 7th Congressional District Chairman Linwood Cobb are impressive. That kind of leadership is needed as Republicans look to the future.

Flashback: 'Virginia’s Eric Cantor ... a rising star in the GOP lives the American dream'

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

[Editor's Note: It seems a good time to reprint this article I wrote about Virginia's 7th Congressional District Congressman Eric Cantor in the Washington Examiner on November 10, 2010. The former Minority Whip is now Majority Leader of the House.]

Keep an eye on Congressman Eric Cantor, a rising star in the GOP. He was born and raised in Virginia's Henrico County outside Richmond, talks with a soft southern accent, and is known for his endless energy. He worked with fellow Republicans Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy to recruit Young Guns to bring the Party back to its conservative roots, co-authored the Young Guns book, and was number two on the 2010 Jewish Daily Forward 50 list of prominent Jewish achievers just behind Google founder Sergey Brin.

In October 2010 he looked from the stage while addressing his annual 7th Congressional District Republican Roundup in Richmond and called out, "Thirty-one days until this country gets back on track! We've got work to do!" A huge roar arose from the crowd of 4,600 supporters of the Minority Whip in the U.S. House as they got to their feet and cheered ... and then they returned home to their communities and went to work.

That work paid off when a Republican red wave swept across Virginia as well as the nation on November 2, 2010. Three Democratic congressmen in the Commonwealth were voted out, flipping the majority back to the GOP in an historic election that brought in the largest Congressional freshman class in 60 years.

Among those in the new Congress will be 47-year-old Cantor who sent a letter to GOP representatives last week announcing his desire to become the next Majority Leader. Much like the Young Guns that Cantor has taken under his wing, this rising star is young, energetic, and ready to take on the Democratic progressive agenda that was rejected by voters in the 2010 midterm elections.

Eric Cantor mixed determination, hard work, and a positive attitude as he went about the business of helping to regain the Republican majority. Those same attributes have also been seen while representing his constituents as a very accessible representative who often holds gatherings and townhall meetings.

Cantor, a Jewish conservative Republican, has not forgotten his roots and the struggle of his grandparents, something he talked about at his reelection kick-off breakfast in March, when he recalled the grandparents who immigrated from Russia to Richmond in the 1930s.

"America," he shared with the room of 1,300 supporters at the Richmond Convention Center, "is the place of hope and opportunity -- the only land where everything is still possible."

An in-depth story in the November 7 Richmond Times-Dispatch expanded on the background of this third generation American. His grandparents fled Russia and relocated to Richmond near other family members who had also escaped anti-Semitic persecution prior to the Bolshevik Revolution. They set up a small grocery business, saved for their sons' futures, and when Cantor's grandfather died at the age of 36, his grandmother held the family together and sent both sons to college. His father became an attorney, began a business in Richmond, and became involved in Republican politics:

In "Young Guns," Cantor said he became a rarity -- a Jew in the Republican Party -- because "it was the Republican Party that gave my father the opportunity to provide a better life for me and my family."

He said that in the 1950s and 1960s his father was turned off by the segregationist policies of Virginia's ruling Democratic Party.

"All [my grandmother] wanted was an opportunity to succeed," Cantor said at his well-attended victory party Tuesday night at the Hilton in Short Pump. "She took responsibility for her family. And, through her hard work, she saw to it that her two boys had a college education. She was a great believer in the promise of America."

The work ethic of his grandparents was passed down to their grandson Eric who became an attorney, got his feet wet in politics by interning for Congressman Tom Bliley while in college, then won a seat in the House of Delegates in 1991. He later ran for and won Bliley's seat upon his retirement in 2000. Cantor's rise up the leadership ladder began two years later when he was tapped to become Deputy Whip and then, in 2008, he was voted in as Minority Whip.

Now, with the 2010 Republican takeover of the House behind them, Cantor stands to be the next Majority Leader. He has listened to the people and is preparing to battle House Democrats over their unpopular legislation. Already making the rounds of news network television shows and working with John Boehner, the presumptive future Speaker of the House, a plan has been laid out to stop the liberal agenda by repealing the odious 2009 health care reform bill and keeping taxes low. The most immediate decision will be whether to keep the Bush tax cuts, an issue that will loom large over the reconvened Congress when members return to Washington on November 15.

Eric Cantor is a roll-up-your-sleeves leader who has a plan for the future of the Republican Party. In Delivering on Our Commitment: A Majorty to Limit Government and Create Jobs, he emphasized job growth, touted the popular YouCut.com program that allowed everyday Americans to suggest fiscal cuts to Congress, proposed entitlement reform and the demise of earmarks, and stressed the need to reduce the size of federal government. Eric Cantor, the epitome of the American dream sought by his grandparents, is ready to help lead the way.

Eric Cantor calls for an America that leads on CNN's 'Out Front'

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA)  appeared on CNN's "Out Front" last week to discuss the need for an America that leads with host Erin Burnett. The appearance, live from Lexington, Virginia, followed Congressman Cantor's major national security speech at Virginia Military Institute.

U.S. House schedule for Wednesday, February 5, 2014

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office....

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First votes expected: 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. Last votes expected: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

Complete Consideration of H.R. 3590 - Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2013 (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Bob Latta / Natural Resources Committee / Agriculture Committee / Judiciary Committee / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee / Energy and Commerce Committee)

Postponed Amendment Votes:

Rep. Peter DeFazio Amendment #6
Rep. Rush Holt Amendment 

H.R. 3964 - Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Emergency Water Delivery Act, Rules Committee Print (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. David Valadao / Natural Resources Committee)

The Rule provides for one hour of general debate and makes in order the following amendments:

Rep. Grace Napolitano Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Doris Matsui Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Bera / McNerney / Thompson / Matsui / Garamendi / Swalwell Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Lois Capps Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. DeFazio / Huffman / DelBene / Speier / Thompson Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Jared Huffman Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Jerry McNerney Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Scott Peters Amendment (10 minutes of debate)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Budget Committee hearing on the “The Congressional Budget Office’s Budget and Economic Outlook” (Wednesday, February 5th, at 10:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

U.S. House schedule for Monday, February 3, 2014

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office....

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD
On Monday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 1791 - Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act (Sponsored by Rep. Gus Bilirakis / Homeland Security Committee)

2) H.R. 357 - GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Miller/ Veterans’ Affairs Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY

Rules Committee meeting on “H.R. 3590, Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2013” (Monday, February 3rd, at 5:00 p.m.)

Printable PDF

Eric Cantor applauds passage of 'No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act'

Congressman Eric Cantor (VA-7), Majority Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, applauded the passage of H.R. 7, the 'No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.' His statement:

“I am pleased that the House has passed H.R. 7 as we stand firm in our efforts to ensure that the American people's tax dollars will not be used to fund the practice of abortion. I thank Congressman Chris Smith for his work on this bipartisan bill that respects the morals and views of millions of Americans and ultimately saves lives. As the House continues its work to make sure that the sanctity of life is upheld in the law of the land, it is my hope that the Senate will join us in this worthy effort.”

U.S. House schedule for Wednesday, January 29, 2014

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office....

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29TH
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.
First and last votes expected: 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

One Minute Speeches

Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2642 - Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (Conference Report Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Frank Lucas / Agriculture Committee)

Special Order Speeches

Printable PDF

U.S. House schedule for Tuesday, January 28, 2014

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor....

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. The House will recess no later than 5:30 p.m. to allow a security sweep of the House Chamber prior to the President's State of the Union address. The House will meet again at approximately 8:35 p.m. for the purpose of receiving, in a joint session with the Senate, the President of the United States. Members are requested to be on the Floor and seated no later than 8:25 p.m.

First votes expected: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Last votes expected: 4:30 - 5:10 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

H.R. 7 - No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, Rules Committee Print (Closed Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith / Energy and Commerce Committee / Ways and Means Committee / Judiciary Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Ways and Means Committee hearing on “Impact of the Employer Mandate’s Definition of Full-Time Employee on Jobs and Opportunities” (Tuesday, January 28th, at 10:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

Eric Cantor addresses GOP Advance about future of Virginia Republicans

Congressman and Mrs. Eric Cantor at Republican Advance, Hot Springs, Va

At Saturday's lunch during the Republican Party of Virginia's 2013 Advance, Majority Leader Eric Cantor addressed the crowd of statewide Republicans as he shared his vision for the future of the party both in Virginia and across the country. That vision includes uniting the party around an agenda of conservative solutions that will work to address the problems faced by people every day.

“Over the last four years our party has had some success. In 2009 we witnessed the landslide election of our statewide ticket. Since then, we added Republican seats to our congressional delegation, as well as in the House of Delegates.

“There is no doubt we are facing some very real challenges. Virginia has not voted Republican in the last two Presidential cycles, we’ve lost both seats in the U.S. Senate and the most recent elections for Governor and Lt. Governor. There is no sugar coating this. The last time our party failed to hold any of the 5 statewide offices in Virginia was in 1969, the same year Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.

“The Republican Party is at its strongest when we are united. We simply cannot succeed if we are fractured and if we are not committed to working together. In the end, the differences we may have among ourselves pale in comparison to the differences between our party and the Democrats. We need to be focused on dividing Democrats, not dividing each other.

“Winning elections is about convincing the voters that we have their back, that we’re on their side. If we want to win, we must offer solutions to problems that people face every day. We have not done this recently and it has allowed Democrats to take power, it has allowed them to push their partisan politics, and even worse to enact their leftist agenda.

“President Obama has been leading our country in a direction of dysfunction. He’s grown the national debt, he's grown the number of powerful bureaucrats as well as the number of people who depend on the federal government. Like most Democrats, Barack Obama trusts government over people. His actions defy his rhetoric of hope and change, and deny any chance of a real economic recovery.

“When our party is not united, and when we fail to offer a plan that connects with people to help solve their problems, we lose at the ballot box. When we lose at the ballot box, higher taxes win, job killing regulations win, big government wins. When we lose at the ballot box we get policies like ObamaCare, which anyone can see is a complete and utter disaster. To be perfectly blunt, ObamaCare is one of the greatest attacks on hardworking taxpayers this country has ever seen.

“Some believe this means we have to sacrifice our conservative values. Nothing could be further from the truth. If we take our conservative principles and bring them directly to the kitchen table, if we speak directly to people and explain why our conservative solutions work and why liberal ideas are set up to fail – there’s no beating our Republican Party.

“We have a built in advantage. Our conservative solutions actually work to address the problems people face every day. If we focus on them and use them to broaden our appeal, we can provide answers for everybody – not just conservatives like us, but to independents, and the many disenchanted Democrats who feel they’ve been betrayed by their party and their President. If we do this we can start to grow our party again.

“Our solutions work because we are focused on empowering people, not the government. We have a lot of work to do, but I am excited about the future opportunities. If we commit ourselves to go forward united. If we commit ourselves to an agenda that puts helping people first we can build enduring majorities both here in Virginia and throughout the country.”

Thanksgiving greetings from Congressman and Mrs. Eric Cantor

We received a Thanksgiving card in the mail today from Congressman Eric Cantor and his wife Diana. In these tough political times, we are thankful for the leadership from the U.S. House's majority leader who happens to be from Virginia.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Hanukkah to Congressman Cantor and his family from the Shenandoah Valley!

Eric Cantor encourages citizen legislators with Cosponsor.gov

 Eric Cantor addresses the crowd at his annual Republican Roundup.

In an effort to make it easier for Americans to be more involved in the legislative process, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-7th) launched a new website on Tuesday called cosponsor.gov.

This latest addition to the Citizen Cosponsor Project provides the opportunity to be citizen legislators by cosponsoring bills they support and track them in a user-friendly way, lessening the bureaucratic maze of Washington, D.C. By using social media, Citizen Cosponsors are updated on the status of their bills through a Facebook app as they move through the various stages of the legislative process.

Anne Sorock at Legal Insurrection praised the Majority Leader's presence in social media:

Noticed the trend of legislators going beyond issuing press releases and fully embracing social media to distribute and market their point-of-view?

Rep. Darrell Issa has been especially active in marketing himself and his committee’s activities, including design-heavy graphics and an active twitter account.

Today Rep. Eric Cantor’s office launched a new website, Cosponsor.gov, which allows anyone to show their support for bills by clicking a link to “cosponsor” a given bill.

Dana Perino commented on Tuesday's Fox News Channel's "The Five" about the new user-friendly tool, noting it was a good way to connect citizens with government. Perino was White House press secretary during George W. Bush's administration.

Marking the launch of the new site, Congressman Cantor noted:

“We live in a digital world. As House Majority Leader, I am committed to exploring new and innovative ways to foster a national conversation and improve communication between the American people and their elected officials.

“The launch of Cosponsor.Gov is a sweeping expansion of our Citizen Cosponsor Project. The new website will now feature every bill and resolution introduced in the House, from Republicans and Democrats. I’m excited that any engaged citizen can voice their support, and track the status of legislation in the House.

“The best part of this new website is it’s accessibility and simplicity. You can search by title, sponsor or bill number or browse issue areas and the tracker shows you exactly where the bill stands.

“Whether you want to support new legislation like the Kids First Research Act or show support for legislation that has already passed the House, like the Working Families Flexibility Act, you can do so here.

“Transparency, open government and engagement should be a key goal of all elected leaders in Washington, and Cosponsor.Gov is one step in that direction. Please visit Cosponsor.Gov and tell us what you care about. We are listening.”

The Citizen Cosponsor Project was developed by the Office of the House Majority Leader and is built on Facebook's Open Graph platform. It uses House #OpenData sets released through the House Majority's #OpenGov initiative.

U.S. House schedule for Tuesday, April 23, 2013

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor....

TUESDAY, APRIL 23RD
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for
legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 1067 - To make revisions in title 36, United States Code, as necessary to keep the title current and make technical corrections and improvements (Sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte / Judiciary Committee)

2) H.R. 1068 - To enact title 54, United States Code, "National Park Service and Related Programs", as positive law, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte / Judiciary Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Rules Committee meeting on “H.R. 1549 - Helping Sick Americans Now Act”
(Tuesday, April 23rd, at 5:00 p.m.)

Printable PDF