Eric Cantor for Vice President?

The Republican National Committee announced today that U.S. Rep. Eric I. Cantor (R-Va.) will head up the GOP effort to reach out to Jewish voters this year.

Cantor, the chief deputy House minority whip, will be tasked with bolstering Arizona Sen. John McCain's appeal among Jewish voters, who have traditionally aligned with Democrats but who have been increasingly receptive to the Republican message on foreign affairs.

"Senator John McCain has been a long-time advocate for a strong relationship between America and Israel," said Cantor. "Our next President will inherit a Middle East region that is at a crossroads. One path leads to security and peace, the other, chaos. I believe John McCain has the experience and character to be an aggressive advocate for a secure Israel and stable Middle East."

Cantor, who has been mentioned as a possible future speaker of the House, is a popular fourth-term congressman who represents a district that stretches from Richmond to Washington's exurbs.

Cantor, who is Jewish, is also being mentioned as a possible running mate for McCain.

The Richmond Times Dispatch ran an column this morning that speculated Cantor, 44, could help McCain win Virginia while also bolstering the GOP ticket in Florida and several northeastern states.