Video: Remembering the leadership of the Honorable Eric Cantor, Majority Leader

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Eric Cantor, Virginia’s congressman who rose to become the second most powerful Republican in Washington, steps down today from his role as majority leader.

Thank you, Leader Cantor, for your steadfast conservative leadership for the Republican Party.

In a fallout from tea party, libertarian, and Democratic voters in his 7th Congressional District who voted him out, the entire  Commonwealth will feel the loss of the man who worked his way up through the ranks to become a proud representation of his immigrant grandparents and Jewish roots.

However, his star will not fall. Analysts have predicted this hard-working legislator, one of the architects of the Young Guns with countless contacts and outreach abilities, will land on his feet in the private sector. Some have even speculated about the possibility of further public office. His ability to raise funds is phenomenal. The district under his leadership was able to pull off two of the three largest GOP events in Virginia. His Republican Roundup regularly drew in upward of 4,000-5,000 people, double the number of attendees at June’s 2014 Republican State Convention, and his annual breakfast in Richmond had 1,700 in attendance in 2014.

His District Chairman, Linwood Cobb, worked hand-in-hand with unit chairs and local leaders as well as an army of dedicated volunteers. The Congressman’s staff was among the best on Capitol Hill and in Richmond. Unlike the tea party-pushed meme claiming detachment from the district, the Cantor Team interacted with constituents in many outreach activities including the Autism Society’s walk-run held in Richmond in May which saw the Congressman and many staff members, their families, and friends form the second largest team of participants to raise money for autism research.

A special thank you to Kristi Way, Melissa Nelson, Sara Rose Wells, Michael Lowry, and all the others who were professional and dedicated to their jobs for a man they respected.

At 51, Leader Cantor can basically do whatever he wants. After his unexpected loss, he has been nothing but a class act in the vein of the Bush family. Here’s wishing him the best for the future.