They are Andy Harris of Maryland, a state senator challenging Rep. Frank Kratovil Jr. in a rematch of their close 2008 race in the 1st District; Martha Roby of Alabama, a Montgomery city councilwoman who is taking on Rep. Bobby Bright in the 2nd District; Steve Pearce of New Mexico, a former House member who lost a Senate race in 2008 and is seeking to reclaim his old 2nd District seat, now held by Rep. Harry Teague; Steve Stivers of Ohio, who is waging a rematch campaign against Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy in the Columbus-area 15th District; and Van Tran of California, an assemblyman who is taking on Rep. Loretta Sanchez in the 47th District.

It COULD mean he has 2012 on his mind.  But it could more likely be preparation for a future leadership advance.  Congressman Roy Blunt, his “boss” in the leadership, is running for US Senate.   That means Cong. Cantor is a decent chance for the (hopefully) Majority Whip position and maybe even higher (Don’t count on it happening like Salon suggests!).  Also the ERIC PAC has been around since at least 2004.

Moreover, there is a huge obstacle in Cong. Cantor’s way to running for President and Congress at the same time (this also applies to VP, too!):  Va. Code 24.2-504 (emphasis added)

Only a person fulfilling all the requirements of a candidate shall have his name printed on the ballot for the election. No person shall have his name printed on the ballot for more than one office at any one election. However, a candidate for federal or statewide office, or a candidate for an office being filled in a special election, may have his name printed on the ballot for two offices at an election.

This means that, unlike Cong. Paul, Congressman Cantor must decide between Congress and President.  My faithful readers will be the first to know after I do if there is any attempt to change this law.  With divided government in Richmond (The GOP controls the house and the Dems the state senate and we’ll know shortly who is governor), it seems unlikely.  It is a shame in that Cong. Cantor would make a great candidate for either President or VP.