AIG Bonus Vote Splits GOP Honchos

Insider Boehner and publicity-hungry Cantor go opposite ways

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Mar 20, 2009 11:25 AM CDT

(Newser) – The vote to tax AIG bonuses split the House’s top two Republicans, and illustrates the differences in their strategies, reports Politico. Minority Leader John Boehner voted against, calling it “a bad bill with bad consequences.” Boehner’s No. 2, rising star Eric Cantor, supported it, calling it a “messy situation.” The two normally work together closely, but asked how Cantor would vote, Boehner said, “I haven’t talked to him about it.”

The divergence reveals the different styles of the two leaders. Boehner is a consummate insider, maintaining his grip on power by fundraising and positioning allies in key places. Cantor, on the other hand, is an outside guy, constantly showing up on TV and sending out press releases. With his public profile, he’s less insulated from populist rage at the bonuses.

[Images (3)]

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House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, right, and Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich., left, listen as House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, of Va., speaks during a news conference, Jan. 21, 2009. (AP Photo)

House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, left, listens as Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va. speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo)

House Minority Whip Eric Cantor of Va., and House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio watch as President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress, Feb. 24, 2009. (AP Photo)

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This is a messy situation when you have a government owning 85 percent of an institution. - Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Virg.

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AIG Bonus Vote Splits GOP Honchos