An independent Web site and petition were launched this week to draft Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) as Sen. John McCain’s running mate.

Cantor is the deputy minority whip in the House of Representatives and the sole Jewish Republican in that body. He said the idea of being named to the ticket is “ridiculous.”

In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Web site organizer Beau Phillips said, “[Cantor is] young, has a fiscally conservative record, can help McCain in Virginia and perhaps in Florida, where Cantor … has appeal and a fund-raising base.”

The petition can be found at www.ericcantorforvp.com. — jta