Cantor sworn in for fifth term to U.S. House

Staff Reports
Published: January 7, 2009

U.S. Congressman Eric Cantor, R-Richmond, was sworn in for a fifth term to the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

Cantor, 45, represents Virginia’s Seventh District in Congress, including the counties of Culpeper, Orange and Madison.
He won re-election to the seat in November with more than 62 percent of the vote statewide, defeating first-time candidate Anita Hartke, a Democrat from Culpeper County.

Tuesday in D.C., Cantor also assumed the role of Republican Whip for the 111th Congress.

“I am humbled by the trust that residents of the 7th District have bestowed upon me by electing me to a fifth term,” he said in a statement. “It is a privilege and honor to act on their behalf.”

Looking back at the history of Seventh District Representatives, Cantor mentioned “other great Congressman like Tom Bliley and James Madison.”

“I am committed to continue in that tradition. Simply put, we face unprecedented challenges here at home and across the nation and I promise to work every day to ensure a brighter future for tomorrow,” Cantor said.

As Whip, he said he would focus on “fighting for a new, principled agenda that champions accountability, transparency and action in a time of great upheaval.”