Washington D.C. - Republican Congressman and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (VA-07) announced that he is endorsing Steve Southerland in the FL-02 Congressional race.

Florida District 2 is the seat currently held by Allen Boyd (D-Monticello).  The race has risen to national attention as a likely switch to Republican following numerous votes by Boyd in favor of the progressive agenda of President Obama and Speaker Pelosi that the conservative district by in large rejects.

"I am honored to support Steve Southerland in the FL-02 Congressional race.  Steve's clear commitment to conservative values, free market principles and real world small business experience is exactly the kind of reinforcement we need up here in Congress."  Congressman Cantor concluded by saying, "I look forward to the campaign ahead and providing support as we work tirelessly towards the goal of returning fiscal sanity and control back to Congress."

Minority Whip Cantor has served the constituents of Virginia District 7 since his election in 2000.  He has subsequently been reelected with strong numbers in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008.  A former small businessman, Cantor has emerged as a leading voice on the economy and jobs.

Cantor served as Chief Deputy Whip for six years before being unanimously elected Minority Whip by his Republican colleagues in 2008.  He then led the Republicans in the House of Representatives in voting against the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Congressman Cantor serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, where he has worked to lower taxes, eliminate red tape, strengthen small businesses and encourage entrepreneurs. 

Southerland responded, "I am deeply honored to have the endorsement and support of Minority Whip Eric Cantor and I look forward to working with him to help put our country back on the right track.  Cantor is clear evidence that we have men and women right now, at this moment, fighting for common sense and conservative values in our nation's capital."