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.

Ellicott City, MD: Apparently yesterday, when the President was in Louisiana, Bobby Jindal was booed pretty loudly by the crowd. Because is was a crowd of democrats or because the people in Louisiana don’t like him these days? Even after the iffy speech, is he still considered a darling of the republicans?

Chris Cillizza: I think it’s because the crowd was largely composed of Democrats.

Polling suggests Jindal is on very strong ground in the state when it comes to how voters see the job he has done.

I do think Jindal — Kenneth the Page speech aside — is still one of the rising stars within the party. I am also convinced that he will not run for president in 2012 but could wind up on a ticket as the veep pick.

I am pleased to see that there is genuine political interest in Governor Jindal.  He would be a great pick for VP if he decided not to run for President in 2012.

We will not suspend this blog.  We are unapologetic that Governor Jindal is a wonderful candidate for the White House.  We do not believe this blog is a distraction to the Governor.  I have been trying to promote items and issues that show the Governor in his best light and we will continue to do that.  Governor Jindal does not need to run for President to do that.  He will be remembered in history as the governor of Louisiana who ended the Huey Long era in that state.  He may well need eight years to do that. 

But I personally believe that God called men and women to serve at crisis times in American history.  Look at men like Harry Truman – seemingly coming from nowhere to serve the nation with great distinction.  With Senator Ensign and Governor Sanford’s scandals seemingly taking them out of contention and Governor Palin seemingly suspending national ambitions for a time (I STILL think she’ll be a FOX News evening anchor shortly; my advice for the FOX anchor with the lowest ratings – better get them up now!) that makes it all the more possible that it may be the time for national service.

Jindal is an authority on health care.  It is likely that Obamacare will fail or pass in a limited manner.  Either way, that is an important issue.  There is cap and trade that may be the Waterloo for the liberals.  Obama’s popularity is down, in some states below fifty percent.  (Of course it is still early! I thank the Ace of Spades HQ for that entry!)

My suggestion for the Jindal PAC supporters – go to the Internet – like Ron Paul did.  Form Jindal meet up groups and there are tens of pro-Jindal Facebook groups already.  Start something official – Jindal for Lousiana’s Future.  Promote the Governor.  The time may come.   Perhaps persuade the Governor that it is great for Louisiana for him to help other GOP candidates.  Governor Palin has SarahPAC, as I said in an earlier blog entry, Governor Pawlenty may start a non-profit orgnaization to promote his views and issues.  Governor Jindal might be legally able to do the same.   

We will continue to promote the Governor and also comment on 2012.  Jindal could always be the VP candidate as well as run for President.  If Dan Kyle wants to be a guest blogger here – write us something and send it to us! 

We’ll see you at an election near you!  Don’t forget to help the local/state candidates in your area while we await 2012 or 2016!

If Only John McCain Had Discovered Twitter Earlier