Eric Cantor: Paul Ryan Should Run

Paul Ryan has his highest profile fan for his non-existent presidential race yet, reports Politico. The House's No. 2 Republican, and Ryan's fellow self-styled "Young Gun," Eric Cantor thinks the Budget Committee chair should make a run for the White House. "Sure," he replied when asked about a Ryan run, adding that he shows "real leadership." Further, Cantor said, any GOP candidates already in the race would do well to “embrace our formula in the Ryan budget.”

But Ryan—or anyone else, for that matter—tossing a hat into the ring isn't too likely, because the field is set, former RNC chair Ed Gillespie tells Politico. “The waiting is over. It's possible someone may get in later on, but Republican activists, officials, and donors are going to begin picking a horse from the current field." Malarkey, says William Kristol over at the Weekly Standard, because the GOP's nominee isn't running yet. And he's looking at you, "Ryan, Chris Christie, Rick Perry, Jeb Bush, and Sarah Palin—and those who’ve gotten out but who could get back in, such as John Thune, Mike Pence, Mitch Daniels, or Mike Huckabee." Gillespie and Kristol have wagered fancy dinners. (More Eric Cantor stories.)