Following [the November 2nd] Republican sweep, US Rep. Eric Cantor is on track to become House Majority Leader, the highest-ranking position ever held by a Jewish member of Congress.
The Virginia Republican currently serves as the House minority whip, placing him in line to become Majority Leader after an upcoming leadership race expected to put Ohio Republican John Boehner in the speaker’s seat.
Exit polls indicated that Jewish support for Democratic candidates has slipped to some of its lowest levels in years.
According to a poll conducted by the “pro-Israel, pro-peace” J Street lobby, American Jews backed Democrats over Republicans by a 66-31 margin.
“For Democrats, getting just 66% of the Jewish vote is deeply distressing, and it will be increasingly difficult for Democrats to win if we alienate a core constituency, one which is critical not just at the ballot box, but in helping candidates get the support they need to run effective campaigns,” said Josh Block, former AIPAC spokesman and Clinton administration official.
Tales From the Small Tent
