Word that Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor is on the vetting list for John McCain's VP possibilities should be good news for conservatives.

Cantor, like Bobby Jindal and Sarah Palin, is just the kind of person that needs to continue rising to the top in the GOP.

He's young, articulate, conservative, an excellent fundraiser, and has a comfort level reaching out to Republicans and independents alike. Ed Morrissey's coverage of the news mentions some of Cantor's downsides, which include a relative lack of experience and being a House Republican - not exactly the best of circumstances in the wake of 2006.

All that said, Cantor is likable as a potential VP nominee for many reasons - even as I maintain that Jindal, Tim Pawlenty, and Mitt Romney remain good and wise choices. If selected, the "surprise" factor surrounding Cantor could well lead to an excellent round of press and momentum for McCain. If not chosen, given that he's the about the least probable of the names Team McCain appears to be vetting, Cantor's name being heralded in this process is an excellent boost for continued and deserved elevation through the ranks of Congressional Republicans.

Fred Barnes had more last fall on Cantor, an article that remains worth the read.