House leader who opposed VAWA ousted in Republican primary


Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Virginia). Photo from House majority leader site

Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Virginia), the House majority leader, was defeated in a Republican primary on Tuesday in what is being described as an unprecedented upset.

Cantor has held leadership positions in the House for more than a decade. During that time, he has opposed off-reservation gaming, denied being influenced by convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and opposed tribal jurisdiction provisions in S.47, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act that became law despite objections from top Republicans.

Cantor was defeated by David Brat, a Tea Party favorite who spent about $200,000 on the campaign. Cantor raised $5.4 million.

Get the Story:
Eric Cantor succumbs to tea party challenger Tuesday (The Washington Post 6/11)
Eric Cantor Defeated by David Brat, Tea Party Challenger, in G.O.P. Primary Upset (The New York Times 6/11)

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