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Source: Virginia congressman vetted for McCain running mate

  • Story Highlights
  • U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor is getting "thorough vetting" from McCain's VP team
  • The fourth-term lawmaker is from heavily Republican district in Richmond area
  • Source says Cantor is "bright, clean, conservative," good fundraiser
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From John King
CNN Chief National Correspondent
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A top congressman from Virginia is undergoing "thorough vetting" by John McCain's vice presidential team, an informed GOP source told CNN on Saturday.

U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor is a fourth-term lawmaker from a heavily Republican district in the Richmond area. Some conservatives have been pushing the chief deputy minority whip for McCain's running mate.

The source said that the research on Cantor, 45, and other potential running mates is nearly complete.

"He's bright, clean, conservative but not angry, and Jewish. [He's a] great fundraiser and locks up Virginia for good measure," the source said.

The source said he doubts he'll be the pick, but called him "a comer in the party."

A spokesman for McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, told CNN on Saturday night he had no comment on the report, and would not say if McCain and the congressman had met.

The Associated Press reported that Cantor declined to comment as well.

Cantor may be the only current member of Congress under serious consideration by McCain.

Other Republicans believed to be in contention include former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman of Ohio, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

All About John McCainU.S. Presidential Election

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