Eric Cantor Praises Bob McDonnell, Paul Ryan As Possible VP Contenders

WASHINGTON -- House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) on Thursday threw his support behind two possible vice presidential contenders for Mitt Romney: Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.) and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.

"Listen, I'm a big fan of Bob McDonnell," Cantor said during a breakfast event hosted by Politico. "So if [Romney] wants Bob McDonnell to be VP, sure. I think that he'd make a great VP."

Cantor said that having McDonnell on the ticket could help House Republicans win races in Virginia and North Carolina. He noted that McDonnell also used to be his seatmate when the two served in the Virginia House of Delegates.

"He is a father, he is a family man, a businessman. He is somebody who understands what the independent voters want, and that's results," Cantor said. "He is a results-driven conservative."

Asked what he thought about Romney possibly tapping Ryan as a running mate, Cantor was all praises.

"Paul Ryan is terrific," Cantor said. "I've said before that he could be a great leader and if he were to run for president a year ago or so, I said sure. He'd be great."

He added that Ryan could help Romney's campaign because he understands the importance of getting fiscal matters in order.

"Paul has demonstrated the ability to lead on matters of the budget and has a clearer grasp on budget than anybody I know, certainly in Congress," he said.

Cantor said he would say no if Romney were to ask him to be his running mate.

"Eric Cantor is not interested at all in that," he said.