Va. congressman vetted as possible McCain veep

By BOB LEWIS, Associated Press Writer 1 minute ago

RICHMOND, Va. - John McCain‘s campaign has asked Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor for personal documents as the Republican presidential candidate steps up his search for a running mate, The Associated Press has learned.

The individual spoke on the condition of anonymity because neither the McCain campaign nor Cantor‘s office wishes to discuss the running mate selection process.

With just weeks till the national conventions, McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama have knuckled down in their search for vice presidential candidates. They have been regularly huddling behind closed doors with a small circle of advisers to examine the backgrounds and records — and weigh the political implications — of at least a handful of prospects.

Cantor has strong support among the party‘s conservatives, perhaps comforting a segment of the GOP base that has been reluctant to embrace McCain, who has often been at odds with members of his own party on several issues, including a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, federal funds for embryonic stem cell research and campaign finance reform.

Cantor is Jewish and is among Israel‘s most avid congressional supporters. His addition to the ticket could help the GOP win over Jewish votes this year. If McCain wins, Cantor would become the first Jewish vice president.

Cantor could provide McCain with an important asset in Virginia, a state that last backed a Democrat for president in 1964 but which both parties are now targeting as a battleground.

While the state‘s 13 electoral votes don‘t place Virginia among electoral giants such as California, Texas or Pennsylvania, picking off a state in the solidly Republican South could tip a close race to the Democrats.

Among others believed to be getting close looks from McCain: Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Ohio Rep. Rob Portman for McCain.

He won his seat in Congress in 2000 from one of Virginia‘s most conservative House districts. No Democratic challenger has come close to defeating him since, including actor Ben Jones, who played the Cooter character on the "Dukes of Hazzard" television comedy series. He faces a longshot challenge this year from Anita Hartke, the daughter of former Democratic Sen. Vance Hartke of Indiana.

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