Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, the only Jewish GOP member of the House of Representatives, is poised to become its second-highest ranking Republican.
Meanwhile, Rep. Henry Waxman of Southern California reportedly is positioning himself to run for the chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee, one of Congress’ most powerful committees.
Cantor, 45, is likely to ascend to the minority whip position in the House after another GOP lawmaker, Roy Blunt of Missouri, stepped down from the post Nov. 6.
The Virginia Republican has served as chief deputy whip for the last six years and has been considered a rising star in the Republican Party pretty much ever since his election to the House in 2000.
As someone who could appeal to two key constituencies — Jews and conservatives — Cantor was mentioned over the summer as a possible vice-presidential pick for John McCain, although it does not appear that he was seriously considered for the position. He also played a key role in negotiations over an economic bailout bill earlier this fall, offering conservative alternatives to the package originally proposed by the Bush administration.
Cantor was raised as a Conservative Jew and has strong roots in the Richmond, Va., Jewish community, having co-chaired the federation’s young leadership division and served on the Richmond JCC board.
Cantor ran into problems caused by a fundraiser he held at a kosher deli in 2003. His campaign didn’t pay the bill for the event at disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff’s delicatessen, Stacks — but when the problem became public, Cantor apologized, paid the bill and was not sanctioned. He also received $30,000 in campaign contributions from entities affiliated with Abramoff. After the lobbyist pleaded guilty to fraud and corruption charges, Cantor gave $10,000 of the money to charity.
Waxman, who represents an area that includes Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and West Hollywood, is the chairman of the House’s Oversight Committee.
After a story appeared in the Roll Call daily, sources confirmed last week that he plans to challenge Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) for chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
The committee, the first stop for health care reform and energy matters, is poised to be critical in an Obama administration. The president-elect plans far-reaching reforms in each area.
Dingell, the longest serving member of Congress, has a cool relationship with pro-Israel groups. Energy reform will likely include plans to cooperate with Israel on alternative energy plans.
Waxman, the dean of the unofficial Jewish caucus in Congress, is close to the pro-Israel community.
JTA reporter Ron Kampeas contributed to this report.