Eric Cantor to Endorse Bush, Help Head Campaign in Va.

Cantor, 52, was also named a Virginia state co-chair of Bush’s 2016 campaign.

(CNN)Former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor endorsed presidential candidate Jeb Bush on Thursday.

“Governor Bush is a true conservative leader with a long-term vision for this country and the practical know how to implement it. After eight years of anemic growth and declining worldwide relevance, America needs a President that can re-energize our nation and recapture our greatness – Jeb Bush is that man”, Cantor said in a statement.

Cantor took to Twitter to announce his support. Despite Cantor’s solid conservative credentials, his opponent accused him of promoting “amnesty” by even talking about a limited form of immigration reform. According to Time, Cantor was wooed by Scott Walker, Marco Rubio, and Chris Christie before he settled on Bush.

Cantor stepped down as majority leader past year, less than two months after an embarrassing Republican primary defeat to Rep. Dave Brat, an economics professor little known in political circles.

He was a prolific fundraiser for himself and his colleagues while in Congress, with extensive connections among wealthy Republicans, particularly Jews, and it is that talent that Bush will be calling on.

In the latest Quinnipiac University Poll, Bush is tied for third, while billionaire businessman Donald Trump retains his top spot as current GOP front runner.