The Life and Role of Majority Leader Eric Cantor

The Life and Role of Majority Leader Eric Cantor

Introduction:

Eric Ivan Cantor (born June 6, 1963) is a fifth term congressman who represents Seventh District of Virginia. In 2010, he won re-election to congress and became the new Republican Majority Leader when the 112th congress convened in 2011. He also holds the privilege of serving as House Minority Whip from 2009- 2011.

Majority of the north and west sections of Richmond are included in his districts, along with portions of Shenandoah Valley and the majority of western suburbs of Richmond. It is eminent to mention here that Cantor is the only Jew Republican who is still serving in the US Congress and has the highest ranking among all the Jewish members of congress who have ever served.

He has emerged as a leading voice favoring economy and job creation. His other contributions include discussion on matters of healthcare, foreign policy and economics. Cantor has chaired the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare that depicts his dedication to providing the nation with resources to keep the homeland safe.

Life, Career and Achievements:

Early life and Career:

Cantor was born in Richmond, Virginia and was second born of Mary (a school teacher) and Eddie Cantor (a real estate firm owner). In 1900s, his paternal family emigrated from Eastern Europe and in 1980; his father served as state treasurer for Ronald Reagan.

Childhood of Cantor was spent in Conservative Judaism, and he graduated from Colligate School in 1981. In the same year, he got enrolled at George Washington University (GW). Cantor worked as an intern for House Republican Tom Bliley of Virginia during his freshman year, and also worked as driver of Bliley during the 1982 campaign. In addition to this, he was also a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity during his university days.

Cantor received his Bachelor of Arts in 1985. After completing his bachelors, he received Juris Doctor Degree from William and Mary Law School in 1988. In 1989, he earned another degree, Master of Science, in Real Estate Development, from Columbia University. Having completed his education, Cantor worked for his family's legal business doing legal work for over a decade and also put efforts in real estate development.

Eric Cantor and his wife Diana have three children, and they reside in Richmond, Virginia.

Career at House of Delegates:

Cantor got the chance to serve at Virginia House of Delegates in 1992, and remained there till 2001. During his tenure, he served as a member of various committees, including Corporation Insurance and Banking, General Laws, Science and Technology, Courts of Justice, (co-chairman) Claims. In 2000, Cantor made announcement of his intention of seeking the seat in United State House of Representative that was made vacant by Tom Bliley. Cantor received immediate support from the Bliley's organization, owing to his previous contributions and work for the organization (Cantor had been chairing reelection campaigns for the past six years). He also succeeded in getting Bliley's endorsement later in the primary.

Cantor in US House of ...