The GOP's Merry Prankster in the House (UGH)

[babylonsister]

Watch out for this guy...

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0307/3120.html

The GOP's Merry Prankster in the House

By: Patrick O'Connor
March 13, 2007 06:06 PM EST
Rep. Eric Cantor


Rep. Eric Cantor passed on the chance for an elected House Republican leadership post when he didn't challenge his political patron, Minority Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri.

That decision, though, has given the Virginian more leeway to pursue the partisan pranks and opposition theatrics that define a minority, allowing him to claim some of the influence other members covet and the freedom to launch the political attacks that GOP leaders were slow to embrace.

Now, Cantor, his star still rising, is a dominant Republican voice in the House, leading a loosely affiliated band of junior members who have become a driving force to regain power in 2008.

For Cantor, no task is too small to embarrass or impede the Democratic majority -- even if it involves a smiling tuna. After all, he was responsible for the small lapel sticker Republicans wore during a House vote to raise the minimum wage that featured a cartoon of a smiling tuna.

As the appointed chief deputy whip, he's also one of the few members with the clout to dial back attacks by the most vocal agitators. Last month, for example, he persuaded a small group of Republicans to forgo their plan to stall the debate over a symbolic measure rejecting President Bush's plan to send additional troops to Iraq.

"You have to be credible," Cantor said.

His band of 15 or so junior Republicans includes outspoken upstarts such as Reps. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina and Tom Price of Georgia, as well as established leaders such as Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam of Florida.

more...

[Greeby]

1. "outspoken upstarts"?

Try snotty-nosed little punks who hate America

[annabanana]

2. "smiling tuna"?

What, some new permutation of the Jesus fish?