The Bull Elephant has today confirmed that numerous supporters of former Rep. Eric Cantor are touting the as-yet undeclared candidacy for Cantor’s old seat by current Henrico County Sheriff Mike Wade.
Wade, who just won re-election to his current office in November, is apparently the chosen vehicle of the “establishment” wing of the GOP to unseat conservative upstart Rep. Dave Brat, who won the GOP nomination last year in an historic upset of Cantor.
Rep. Brat, to the frustration of many who would see him deposed, remains popular in his district. In contrast to his predecessor, Brat spends significant time hearing from constituents and seeing them face-to-face in small group and public settings.
His votes on Capitol Hill have pleased conservatives, and tweaked those who expect junior members to toe the leadership’s line. His defeat of Cantor arguably killed illegal immigration amnesty last year, and its cascading effects had much to do with the departure of former Speaker Boehner and defeat of Kevin McCarthy as his successor, meaning the Chamber of Commerce types have no love for him, and will dig deep to see him defeated.
So, it comes as no surprise for us to hear that Cantor allies have over the last several months been lining up financial backing among big “establishment” Republican donors nationwide to ensure that the “Tea Party” wing is taught a lesson.
Should make for an interesting spring.
