Eric Cantor Defeated by Tea Party Challenger David Brat

Eric Cantor Defeated by Tea Party Challenger David Brat

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor who was defeated by Tea Party Challenger David Brat


In one of the most stunning primary upsets, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was defeated by a Tea Party challenger and economics professor David Brat, in last Tuesday's Virginia primary.  It was great news for Brat who was able to defeat an Establishment Republican, even more so considering the fact that Cantor is the House Majority Leader.  The last time a party leader was defeated in the House was former House Speaker Tom Foley, who was a Democrat, in the 1994 general elections which put the Republicans in charge of the House the following year.  Foley lost to little-known Republican George Nethercutt.  Only this time a Republican House leader lost to a Republican in the primary.  The media has been saying Cantor's defeat would deliver a major shock wave to the Republican party.  Brat accused Cantor of not being sufficiently conservative and he took issue with Cantor's stance on illegal immigration. 

It's good to see a GOP incumbent go down to defeat.  What a shame that Ohio voters in the 8th Congressional district didn't send House Speaker John Boehner packing weeks ago.  However, I'm thankful for all the incumbent defeats we can receive.  To read the full story, click on the above link from The New York Times.