Where’s Eric Cantor?

cross-posted at Raising Kaine

On Tuesday of this week, Eric Cantor voted against the Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which overwhelmingly passed the House by a vote of 265-179. Unsurprisingly, Cantor has released no statement explaining why he voted the way he did. So let’s put two and two together, shall we?

The main objection to the legislation that Republicans have put forth so far (other than bleating about “socialism” or whatever) is that it “costs too much,” as it would raise the total spent to $60 billion over 5 years, or, as simple math would tell you, is $12 billion a year (less than what we spend in a month in Iraq; thanks again, Eric). But I don’t think that’s really the reason.

It’s all about loyalty. Bush has staked almost all of his remaining political “capital,” for some reason, on defeating health insurance for children. It’s not a big deal for him really; he doesn’t have to worry about getting elected. And so blatantly disregarding the will of the people (and the health insurance industry, AARP, American Medical Association, children’s health advocates, etc., etc.) is surely a terrible idea, at least as far as winning elections is concerned.

Even many other Republicans get this. Hatch (UT) and Grassley (IA) are both sponsors of the bill and have challenged Bush forcefully, questioning the presidents’ erroneous figures on the issue. Ray LaHood (Ill.) put it perfectly: “I’m a little baffled why the Bush people picked this issue to fight it out on. It’s very sensitive. It’s about kids. Who’s against kids’ health care?”

Apparently Bush. And one of his strongest enablers, Eric Cantor.

It’s not about representing the will of the people for either of these two. One is no longer constrained by facing a fair vote (there’s considerable evidence he never did), and the other hasn’t faced stiff competition in years. For them it’s about further advancing a very far-right agenda, and helping out their campaign sponsors (just check out what industries gave heavily to Cantor).

The only thing Cantor has said on this issue was posted on his blog, a link to a Red State post discussing an alternative proposal supposedly being offered by Republicans. Actually, he didn’t “say” it necessarily, “Spokesblogger” did; Eric hasn’t posted on his own blog for two months.

So if anyone can find out where Cantor is on this and what he offers as an explanation for this disgraceful vote, please let me know. I’ll do what I can to try to get in touch with someone in his office.

Update:

Cantor did speak! And, wouldn’t you know, he just regurgitated Bush’s talking points, refuted by even REPUBLICANS Grassley and Hatch, about those making over $80,000 suddenly getting free health care.