Posts Tagged ‘Tom Perriello’
Stewart gets jump on unsettled 2013 field
Despite being in the midst of a contentious and serious battle for the 2012 federal elections. Virginia politicos are preparing for what could be an incredibly competitive 2013. Several candidates on both sides are either publicly or quietly mulling a run for statewide office. At this point the most of the conversations are speculative and the large field that currently exists will certainly be widdled down by the time voters are actually forced to make decisions. However with the active and ambitious crop being discussed heated primaries and/or state party conventions are almost certain.
Republicans are already dealing with a holy war at the top of their ticket between Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and Lt. Governor Bill Bolling. The Bolling- Cuccinelli feud may be only part of what the GOP will be dealing with. A number of candidates are considering runs for Lt. Governor and Attorney General that if they hold it could mean competitive nominating contests on all levels.
A particularly interesting battle is setting up in the republican Lt. Governor’s race. Wednesday, the ambitious Chair of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors Corey Stewart formally entered the race. Stewart is well-known in political circles, in part because of the numerous times he has tossed his name into prospective statewide races only to back away. Most recently Stewart seriously considering running for the open U.S. Senate seat. He even went as far to say some pretty critical things about former Senator George Allen, who he later endorsed.
On First at 4, Stewart told me that the timing was right for him to run statewide this time.
“We’ve been able to reduce taxes, we’ve cut spending by more than $143 million dollars (in Prince William County) instituted some good budgetary reforms while still putting a lot more money into transportation, and I’d like to do the same thing for the Commonwealth of Virginia,” he said.
Stewart won’t be alone in the race for the state’s second spot. Pete Snyder, the wealthy technology entrepreneur and ally of Governor Bob McDonnell is also mulling a run. Snyder is getting quite a bit of face time in his role as the Virginia GOP’s chief fundraiser. He appeared on First at 4 a couple of weeks ago.
The republicans also have several candidates considering a run for Attorney General, the most prominent, Harrisonburg Senator Mark Obenshain and Charlottesville Delegate Rob Bell.
But too many candidates for not enough positions is not a problem exclusive to republicans. multiple candidates are lining up on the democratic side. State Senator Chap Petersen has already set up a PAC and has said he plans a gubernatorial run. Former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe is widely expected to make another run. This is of course if the long running rumor that Senator Mark Warner would like to come back to Richmond, turns out to be just a rumor.
The lower parts of the ticket aren’t quite lined up as orderly as their counterparts on the republican side, but prominent democrats are being floated in those positions as well. Among them, Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Herring and former Delegate Ward Armstrong. Update: Friends of Loudon Democratic Senator Mark Herring emailed to remind me that he has officially begun exploring a run for Attorney General.
There are other names being whispered as well. Former candidate for Lt. Governor Michael Signer and his close friend former Rep. Tom Perriello both have been suggested as statewide candidates. Henrico Sen. Don McEachin ran for Attorney General before and could be thrown into the mix and a new rising start, Alexandria Del. Charniele Herring hasn’t formally talked about running statewide, but was a key voice in the battle over abortion in this year’s General Assembly session and might be a name brought up in the future.
So much of this talk is just that talk. Names thrown into the air to see what the reception is to gauge the possibility of investing, time, energy and quite a bit of money into running statewide. That is what make’s the Stewart announcement so significant. He is all in. More than a year before anyone will be forced to make a decision about who they would like as their nominee.
Will getting out first pay off? Stewart is betting it will. It is a question we won’t know the answer to, until we get through the first brutal election still in front of us.
Our full interview with Chairman Stewart can be found below:
Stewart’s full announcement can be found after the jump:
BREAKING: Webb will not seek re-election
In a surprise statement released just a few minutes ago, Senator Jim Webb announced that he will not seek re-election to his post. The full statement is below:
Statement of Senator Jim Webb
Washington, DC–Today Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) issued the following statement:
Five years ago this week, on February 8, 2006, I announced my intention to run for the United States Senate. We had neither campaign funds nor a staff. We were challenged in a primary, and trailed the incumbent in the general election by more than 30 points in the polls.
Over the next nine months we focused relentlessly on the need to reorient our national security policy, to restore economic fairness and social justice, and to bring greater accountability in our government. I will always be grateful for the spirit and energy that was brought into this campaign by thousands of loyal and committed volunteers. Their enthusiasm and sheer numbers were truly the difference in that election.
It has been a great and continuing privilege to serve in the United States Senate. I am very proud of my talented and dedicated staff, which has worked tirelessly to resolve the issues on which I based my candidacy, and to protect the interests of all Virginians in this national forum. Among other contributions we have given our Post- 9/11 veterans the best GI Bill since World War Two; we have taken the lead in reforming our criminal justice system; we have led the way toward stronger relations in East and Southeast Asia; and we have been a strong voice in calling on China to act more responsibly in the world community. We will continue to work on these and other issues throughout the rest of my term.
However, after much thought and consideration I have decided to return to the private sector, where I have spent most of my professional life, and will not seek re-election in 2012.
Notwithstanding this decision, I have every intention of remaining involved in the issues that affect the well-being and the future of our country.
UPDATE:
The list is now being populated with potential replacements for Webb as the Democratic nominee.
Gov. Tim Kaine- The obvious front-runner. The current DNC Chairman is close friend of President Obama. Kaine has said in the past that he wouldn’t be interested (he told me during his last month in office that governor would be his last elected office), but a lot can change now that the seat is open.
Rep. Tom Perriello- A close friend of the White House, with liberal credentials but has run well in conservative regions. Perriello has proven himself as relentless on the campaign trail. The question is, will he be interested. conveniently he is traveling out of the country right now.
Rep. Rick Boucher- Boucher was a surprise loss for Democrats in Southwest Virginia. He left a lot of money in the bank, and didn’t seem ready to retire. Even though he is from coal country, his politics play well in Northern Virginia and he is very connected in D.C.
Rep. Glenn Nye- The one term conserva-dem from Virginia Beach was beat in November. However he is young and filled with ambition. Just like Perriello’s liberal side may play better statewide than in VA-5, Nye may think his moderate position makes him an attractive statewide candidate. Although, Nye has real issues with the Democratic party faithful.
Other names worth pointing out: Sen. Creigh Deeds, (who has run twice for statewide office) Del. Ward Armstrong(whose statewide ambitions are not a secret), Sen. Don McEachin (who has run statewide in the past), Mike Signer (former candidate for LG, close friend of Tom Perriello and ambitious) and frankly.. just about every politician in Virginia who describes him/herself as a Democrat.
Who Won’t Run:
Terry McAuliffe- The former DNC Chairman and candidate for Governor has soundly rejected any thought about running for Senate. He told me a few weeks ago that he is “more the executive type”. I followed up with his staff today and they say his position has not changed despite the now open seat.
Gov. Doug Wilder- In a phone conversation this afternoon Wilder asked me “Do you know how old I am?” Wilder emphatically rejected any chance that he might run. He said that he is however concerned about who the Democrats might put up. “They need to develop a farm team,” he said. Wilder avoided making any kind of declarative statement on Tim Kaine’s worthiness as a candidate. He would only say that he is “certain they will all come out,” and that “One person I am not going to support is me.”
Webb won’t commit to 2012 run
Virginia Senator Jim Webb is less than two years away from a re-election bid, a contest that by all measures will be difficult. But while many Democrats are huddling in strategy sessions preparing to reverse the current Republican tide, Webb doesn’t appear to be in any hurry to decide if he is even going to run.
In a fascinating profile on the Commonwealth’s senior Senator posted on RealClearPolitics.com, Webb won’t commit to a run in 2012. “Still sorting that out,” he said before adding. “I’m not saying I’m not.”
Webb’s ambivalence is alarming to Democrats because the man he beat, former Senator George Allen, appears to already be running for his old seat. Allen has written a book and has become a regular at GOP events large and small across Virginia. In addition to his traditional stumping, Allen often appears on local TV and radio stations, while Webb rarely grants interviews to local reporters. (Contrasted by his always available colleague Sen. Mark Warner, who will appear live on NBC12 First at 4 Wednesday)
While Webb has always done things his way, his resistance to state his plans has caught the attention of major media players like the Washington Post, which now ranks Virginia’s senate seat as the 5th most likely to change party hands.
Their ranking is in part, attributed to Webb’s lackluster fund raising. He raised only $16,000 in the third quarter of 2010 and has $471,000 on hand. The Post has list of other incumbent Senators and how much they have raised by comparison.
While Webb is not ready to make a decision, don’t expect Democrats interested in running for the post to say a word until he is officially out. The Post speculated, wisely that former Governor Tim Kaine would be a front runner for the slot. However (and this is all speculation) don’t rule out Terry McAuliffe who is almost certain to run for Governor, but might be tempted to throw his statewide infrastructure into the mix early if the opportunity presented itself. Another long shot possibility, Rep. Tom Perriello. While Perriello just suffered a tough defeat, he drew the admiration of many for the fight he waged. Congressman rarely become statewide names, but the attention Perriello’s race drew and his visit from President Obama have made him very well known across Virginia. Perriello also is able to tap into a wide-ranging liberal fund-raising base that could help a potential statewide campaign. While Perriello has not given many details into his future plans, he has been tossed around in some circles as a potential statewide candidate.
Of course this all idle speculation until Webb makes his final decision. Webb spokesman Will Jenkins confirmed for me that the Senator has not made up his mind if he will run again, but he couldn’t offer a time line for when the decision might be made.
I also have some ideas as to who may be willing to challenge Allen for the Republican nod, especially if Webb is out of the mix. I’ll share them at a later date.
Details on President Obama visit to Charlottesville
President Barack Obama comes to Charlottesville tomorrow to stump for Congressman Tom Perriello‘s re-election bid. Unlike the President’s invitation only event in Richmond a few weeks ago, this event is open to the public on a first come, first serve basis.
If you are interested in attending here are the details:
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A Rally with President Obama
Charlottesville Pavilion on the Downtown Mall
Doors open at 5:00 PM
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.
Public entrance is between 5th and 6th Streets NE, on the Downtown Mall.
All attendees will go through airport-like security and should bring as few personal items as possible. No bags, sharp objects, umbrellas, liquids, or signs will be allowed in the venue. Cameras are permitted.
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I will be there reporting live for NBC12 starting at 4pm. I’ll try to post interesting tid-bits here on Decision Virginia, but I am sure my twitter feed will be busy. If you aren’t following me now, join the thousands who already are! Twitter.com/ryanobles.
Meanwhile the Richmond Tea Party is planning a counter rally to the President’s rally. The details for that event can be found on their website by clicking here.
State Senator Robert Hurt, Perriello’s opponent will be pretty far away from Charlottesville. He is hosting a small business round table in Martinsville.
Perriello hoping to leverage Tea Party choice to victory
There may be no Congressional District in the country where the Tea Party can have an impact like they can in the Virginia 5th. Congressman Tom Perriello is fighting for re-election against Republican Robert Hurt. Hurt is an establishment candidate with the party’s support, but someone who had to overcome a bitter primary with his opposition fueled in large part by different factions of the Tea Party in the sprawling 5th district.
Make no mistake, Perriello is not the man Tea Party supporters want to see return to Congress, but in an interview today on NBC12 First at 4, the Democrat admitted that their dissatisfaction with Hurt could be the key to his victory.
“They know Senator Hurt is not a true conservative; they don’t like him that much,” said Perriello. “And the question is do they hate me enough to overcome that or do they go for Jeff Clark who is in line with their platform and position.”
Jeffrey Clark is the independent candidate in the 5th and has the potential to draw enough votes away from Hurt to give Perriello a chance to win.
However at this point, the polls have not reflected that hope for Perriello. According to Real Clear Politics, which has cataloged polls connected to the race, Hurt leads consistently in almost every survey and Clark has not shown to impact the race much at all. The latest Roanoke College poll gives Clark only 1% of the vote and shows Hurt with a 6% lead. Real Clear Politics list the race as one that “Leans Republican”.
If that trend holds, Perriello will be forced to win the race on his own and that means defending his record that was liberal enough for the web site MoveOn.org to list him as a “Progressive Hero”. The moniker is part of a fund-raising effort to help endangered Democrats who support issues the group believes in. It has helped him raise more than $100,000, but also has become a frequent punching bag for Republicans. The Hurt campaign issued a press release on the subject and several GOP blogs have made sure voters know who Perriello is connected to.
Perriello wouldn’t say if MoveOn.org is a group whose values match the values of the relatively conservative 5th District. Instead he said that voters should appreciate that he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in.
“There aren’t nearly enough politicians from either party to actually fight for everyday folks against the corporate interest groups that are there,” he said. ” I think someone who comes along is fighting for the people; other people want to have their back.”
At this point we don’t have an interview scheduled with Sen. Robert Hurt, but we are in the process of working with his campaign to make that happen. Independent Jeffrey Clarke is scheduled to join us Thursday October 28th.
You can see the complete interview with Rep. Perriello below. The full transcript is available at NBC12.com.
NBC12 First at 4 Congressional Candidate interviews (UPDATED)
Starting this Wednesday, NBC12 First at 4 will be hosting candidates running for Congress in each district in the Richmond viewing area. The interviews will include candidates from Virginia’s 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th & 7th districts.
Some of these races, such as the 5th district contest, are some of the biggest in the country and could play a major role in deciding who controls Congress for the next two years. Others, such as the 1st district, have captured national media attention because events outside of the candidate’s control. Finally, others like the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th are considered long shot contests with entrenched incumbents.
Regardless, we will give each candidate a fair shake. If you haven’t made up your mind yet we hope this informative segment will help you make your decision.
Here is the schedule that we have confirmed so far: (more to be added as time goes on)
Wednesday Oct. 13th- Krystal Ball (D-1)
Thursday Oct. 14th- Dr. Wynne Legrow (D-4)
Monday Oct. 18th- Rick Waugh (D-7)
Tuesday Oct. 19th- Randy Forbes (R-4) *
Wednesday Oct. 20th- Tom Perriello (D-5)*
Thursday Oct. 21st- Floyd Bayne (I-7)
Friday Oct. 22nd- Bobby Scott (D-3)*
Monday Oct. 25th- Chuck Smith (R-3)
Tuesday Oct. 26th- Rob Wittman (R-1)*
Wednesday Oct. 27th-Robert Hurt (R-5) (tentative)
Thursday Oct. 28th- Jeffrey Clark (I-5)
Monday Nov. 1st- Eric Cantor (R-7)*
*Denotes incumbent
Ms. Ball kicks off our candidate interviews on Wednesday. The revelation of suggestive photos of Ball have become a national media sensation. She granted the first interview on the subject to NBC12. The YouTube clip of the interview is approaching 150,000 views. Ball has or will appear on all three cable news networks, was mentioned on the Rush Limbaugh show, and authored an editorial on the subject on the Huffington Post.
We’ll follow up on our initial story in this first of a series of candidate interviews Wednesday on NBC12 First at 4.
Steele to stump in VA-3 for longshot candidate
This is interesting… Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele will bring his “Fire Pelosi” bus tour to Henrico County this week.
The fact that he is stumping in Virginia is not much of a surprise, what is interesting is who he is stumping for. In the height of a competitive election year, where Republicans are hopeful to regain at least the House of Representatives and perhaps even the Senate, Steele will spend the evening with Chuck Smith the man hoping to unseat long time Democrat Bobby Scott.
Despite an exhaustive search of practically every web site tracking congressional races across the country, I could not come up with one analyst or pundit willing to put Scott’s seat at risk. The third district is considered to be among a group of seats Democrats have no danger of losing.
Steele will also make a stop in the 11th district in Fairfax in support of Keith Fimian, a Republican candidate that could potentially unseat Democrat Gerry Connolly. He will also make a stop in Charlottesville in support of Robert Hurt, a Republican hoping to oust Tom Perriello in a race that is one of the most watched congressional races in America.
So the question is why is the Republican National Committee Chairman coming to support a candidate that does not appear to have a legitimate chance of winning?
Lisa D. Creeden, the communications director for Chuck Smith 2010 told me tonight that it was the RNC, and Chairman Steele specifically, that suggested that he come to town in support of the Smith campaign. Creeden noted that Steele’s “Fire Pelosi” bus tour will make many stops in Virginia, but that the Chairman specifically want to appear with Smith, a candidate running in a district that handily went for Barack Obama in 2008 and has consistently elected Democrats by wide margins.
“We are very much aware of the demographics of the district,” said Creeden. “But if there was ever a year to unseat Bobby Scott, this is the year.”
Creeden was honest and said there is no secret poll that shows her candidate within the margin of error, but she said that they have had encouraging signs that people are becoming more interested in their race. That includes hits to their web site and attendance at events.
The Washington Post’s Virginia Politics blog, speculated that Steele may have chosen Smith because they are both African-American and Steele is making an effort to encourage more minority participation in the Republican Party. Creeden said she can’t read the Chairman’s mind but believes that if that played a role, it was only a minor one.
“It’s not as if he (Steele) took out a map and pinpointed all of the African-American candidates and said ‘I am going to stump for them’.” she said. “He is going all throughout Virginia and he felt that Chuck Smith was one of the many candidates worth supporting.”
So far reps for the RNC have not returned our requests for comment on the tour.
Chairman Michael Steele appears with Chuck Smith Wednesday September 15th. The rally takes place at 8:15pm at the historic Henrico Theater in Highland Springs.
Is it too early to talk 2013?
Not for some people. Including a grassroots movement hoping to convince Northern Virginia Senator Chap Petersen to consider a race for Governor in 2013. Today, they released this web video on the left leaning blog Not Larry Sabato (run by former Petersen staffer Ben Tribbett), offering Petersen as a viable alternative to a presumed Ken Cuccinelli candidacy:
The ad is more anti-Cuccinelli than it is pro-Petersen. But it is an early indication of how sides are already being drawn in what will be a competitive race for the governorship in 2013.
Perhaps the reason that the ad is more about Cuccinelli and less about Petersen is because the Democratic field, 3 and half years out, is already starting to get crowded. Supporters of Petersen are hoping to strike a chord of unification among Democrats and at this point of 2010, nothing unifies Democrats more than Ken Cuccinelli.
Democrats appear to be trying to get a head start, in an effort to prevent what happened in 2009. A bitter primary amongst three candidates, that didn’t really get their campaigns moving until late 2008, or in some cases early 2009. Instead of the field stocking up in late 2012, several Democrats are looking to make their name now, perhaps in an effort to “clear the field.” It is a prospect that is much easier given that there is no clear alternative voice to what is a Commonwealth with three statewide elected Republicans running the show.
So who is attempting to make a name for themselves?
First the Democrats:
*Terry McAuliffe- At this point any conversation about the Democratic candidates for Governor must begin with the former DNC chair. McAuliffe has the most money and the most friends in high places. (You saw him with Mick Jagger and Bill Clinton at the World Cup right?) McAuliffe was dismissive with me on First at 4 when we asked directly about his interest in running for Governor, but finding people who don’t think he is running is a difficult proposition. He and his formidable wealth will be difficult for any prospective candidate to contend with, but it has obviously been done before. This time around though, McAuliffe is spending 4 years building an infrastructure, instead of 4 months.
*Del. Ward Armstrong- The ranking Democrat in the House of Delegates is slowing building a reputation as an outspoken alternative to the McDonnell agenda. Armstrong is liked by many, is an eloquent speaker and has strong support in the south and west where Democrats typically aren’t very strong. However, Democrats are still smarting over their experiment with a similar candidate in Creigh Deeds and some are already sounding alarm bells about his stance on issues like gun control. Armstrong seem poised to take the leap and he will be difficult to ignore.
*Sen. Chap Petersen- who has attempted statewide runs before unsuccessfully is in many ways the anti-Deeds. A sharp, articulate Northern Virginian, Petersen is rock-solid on the key issues that Democrats care about. His problem is one of anonymity. Petersen’s name identification is low and he would be forced to raise a lot of money to change that scenario. It’s a scenario that becomes even more difficult when you consider Terry McAuliffe will be dumping millions to make sure he does not go 0-2 in Democratic primaries.
Other names are bound to emerge, such as former House Democratic leader Brian Moran, Sen. Donald McEachin a one time candidate for Attorney General and even Rep. Tom Perriello who if he is successful this year (which is not a given) has the potential to be a rock star in the Virginia Democratic party.
What about the Republicans?
While names may pop up between now and then make no mistake, this is a two-man race. The two men who have already been elected statewide and will have to meet face to face to determine who gets to be the party standard-bearer.
*Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling- Bolling has already stepped aside for the good of the party, when he did not challenge Bob McDonnell for the party’s nomination. Now he stands poised to be anointed the party nominee. McDonnell has already hinted at Bolling being his heir apparent and the LG is already raising cash in preparation for a tough race. Bolling is a rock solid, experienced politician who rarely makes a mistake. However, he is also not that kind that elicits excitement from the party base. He is hoping Republicans remember what he did to leave the field open for McDonnell to win by a landslide. He is hoping the same courtesy is extended to him.
*Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli- For the record, Cuccinelli has never expressed an interest in running for Governor. Privately, his close associates say that he is not interested in becoming the Chief Executive. He is a lawyer by trade and serving as Attorney General is for him the pinnacle. That was of course before Cuccinelli became a media super star. Love him or hate him, the AG has received perhaps the most exposure of any official in Virginia. He has turned that into a fund-raising network around the country. His support from the base is electric. His opposition on the left is dangerous. Cuccinelli will be in position to make a run. The question is, will he want to do it?
My guess is that it won’t be long until this post becomes old news. Many of the candidates will step aside and new ones will probably emerge. I think I answered my own question. It is never too early to talk about the next election.
Any guesses for candidates in 2017?
Cantor claims GOP unified in VA-5, while Democrats exploit divisions
Depending on who you talk to, you get a dramatically different picture of exactly what is going on in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. Leading Republicans, like House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, believe the right has unified behind the clear victor from Tuesday’s primary, State Senator Robert Hurt. Democratic party operatives however are selling a much different story, one of unhappy divisions amongst different right leaning factions that could be enough to allow incumbent Tom Perriello to cruise to victory.
Cantor, who was an early supporter of Hurt, believes that his ability to garner almost 50% of the vote in a primary with multiple candidates, is evidence that Republicans will get behind the nominee. ”I think that reflects his strength in the district,” said Cantor. ”He is a conservative Southside Virginian.”
But while party loyalists, who always vote Republican are probably safely in the Hurt campaign, it is the far more unpredictable members of the local Tea Parties who are no guarantee to support the GOP candidate. Democrats have spent the last two days pushing stories that show different factions of the Tea Parties splitting from the nominee and Hurt’s opponents not rushing to give them their support. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released this video that is designed to remind those who aren’t too sure about Hurt, the reasons why he wasn’t their candidate during the primary.
Republicans though are banking on the hope that those on the right unhappy with Hurt, really don’t have anywhere else to go. Aside from a longshot write-in campaign for a yet to emerge candidate, the only other independent option is the little known Jeffrey Clark. Clark is expected to have a line in November, provided his petition to get on the ballot is accepted. Cantor is hoping that those in search of limited government and conservative principles realize that Hurt is a better option than sending the incumbent back to Washington.
“He (Perriello) has voted for the stimulus plan, he voted for the cap-and-trade plan and he voted for President Obama’s trillion-dollar health care overhaul,” said Cantor. ”I can assure you that if you ask the people of the 5th district, those are votes, they don’t agree with.”
But many Tea Party supporters don’t appear to have a problem with just sitting it out. The Lynchburg Tea Party has decided they won’t endorse anyone. Bradley Rees, the outspoken one time candidate tweeted that he will not compromise even if it means sending Perriello back to Washington. ”Your choices,” Rees wrote. “Stand on principle for long-term solutions, or sacrifice principle for short-term (& short-lived) satisfaction.” Rees is now supporting Clark. UPDATE: Rees contacted me to say he is actually still “collecting his thoughts” on the outcome of the primary.
While most of Hurt’s primary opponents have endorsed the nominee, still lingering out there is the support of Hurt’s closest rival, Jim McKelvey. McKelvey put out a statement in the wake of his loss on Tuesday but refused to weigh in on who he will vote for in November. McKelvey did however write: “We, as conservatives, must be unified to defeat Tom Perriello this November. And, we must do this now.”
It is difficult to quantify the impact that all of these different moving parts will have on the actual vote come November. Each county in the sprawling 5th district has its own Tea Party chapter and there is certainly no unity in their perspective. Expect the only consistent message on GOP dysfunction to come from Democrats, who have the most to gain by the right not speaking with the same voice.
FLASHBACK: we discussed this possible scenario with RNC Chairman Michael Steele back in December.
You can see the extended clip from Rep. Cantor’s comments below:
