Another Leading Republican Backs McCain

Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor, one of the leading Republicans in the House, became the latest in a growing list of GOP lawmakers to line up behind Arizona Sen. John McCain in the latter's bid for the White House.

"John McCain is about honor, duty and country above all else," Cantor said in a statement released by his office Friday. "He is an unapologetic defender of our nation's security and will be an excellent president."

In a brief interview, Cantor said the Arizona senator will help Republicans lower down the ballot, helping the GOP in swing districts that Democrats dominated in the 2006 midterms.

"McCain's candidacy shifts the dynamic of this election," Cantor said. "He's a person with a proven track record of attracting independent voters."

The Virginia Republican also hailed McCain's commitment to spending restraint, particularly his efforts to limit lawmaker-requested projects.

"John McCain is without par in the fight to fix what is broken in Washington," Cantor said in the statement. "He has been a leader in the U.S. Senate in fighting wasteful government spending and I look forward to working with him to ensure that the federal government starts working for the people again."