Cantor Considered McCain's Favorite Running Mate

August 5, 2008 10:06 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) is the favorite among potential vice presidential candidates for Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) . Reports indicate that the young Republican was asked to furnish the McCain campaign with documents for its vetting process.

Pundits note that Cantor would add a vibrancy to the 71-year old senator's candidacy, but also say his lack of name recall outside of Virginia and Washington may pose a serious disadvantage for McCain.

Cantor, the only Jewish Republican in the House, co-chairs the McCain campaign's Jewish outreach effort. He is also the House chief deputy minority whip and, much like previous favorite potential VP Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, is one of the Republican party's rising young stars.

Unlike Jindal, however, some conservatives have organized themselves and launched a website, ericcantorforvp.com, to "urge" McCain to choose Cantor as running mate.

Cantor has refused to discuss his prospects as vice president, dismissing a question during a conference call on Monday by saying, "This is a press conference about the energy plan and the difference between the vision Barack Obama has and John McCain."

Other Republicans on McCain's shortlist include former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.