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Debt Talks Bring Out Boehner/Cantor Rivalry

Boehner is more pragmatic; Cantor draws line, refuses compromise

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 12, 2011 7:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – The GOP’s high-wire debt ceiling talks have turned a spotlight on the growing rivalry between John Boehner and Eric Cantor, the Washington Post observes. Until Sunday’s talks, Boehner had been pushing for a grand compromise, while Cantor categorically refused anything involving tax increases. Yesterday, Cantor insisted that he and Boehner were “on the same page,” but insiders aren’t so sure. “I don’t think Boehner would want to serve in a foxhole anytime with Eric Cantor,” one former leadership aide tells the LA Times.

Cantor has become the voice of the House’s new conservative wing, while Boehner stands as the old-guard pragmatist. “If there’s a popularity contest right now, Cantor wins it,” one GOP aide said. For now, Cantor seems to have won the debt ceiling argument, with Boehner letting him do the talking at Sunday’s meeting. “Cantor has been running the show on the Republican side—almost exclusively—and he has about played out his hand,” says one Democrat who was there.

John Boehner speaks with Eric Cantor on Capitol Hill in this file photo. (Getty Images)

House Speaker John Boehner listens at right as House Majority Leader Eric Cantor speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, June 3, 2011. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

House Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor speak to reporters, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Debt Talks Bring Out Boehner/Cantor Rivalry

Boehner is more pragmatic; Cantor draws line, refuses compromise

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John Boehner • House Republicans • Eric Cantor • debt ceiling • 112th Congress

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