McCain Eyes Virginia Rep. Cantor for Veep

John McCain is considering Virginia congressman Eric Cantor for the vice-presidential slot on his ticket, according to a campaign insider. As Barack Obama vets Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine as a possible No. 2, the state could turn into a vice-presidential battleground, Politico reports. Cantor, who has been a champion McCain fundraiser, is a leading Jewish Republican and fiscal conservative who could add some spice to the campaign.

“McCain needs to do something different,” and Cantor “fits all the bills,” said a GOP strategist. Furthermore, the choice could help keep hotly contested Virginia in Republican hands, say observers. A prominent evangelical lauded Cantor’s stances on social issues, which would be a boon to McCain in his efforts to secure the Christian right. Cantor joins Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and ex-Ohio congressman Rob Portman as contenders for the McCain ticket. (More John McCain stories.)