Shockwaves are rippling through the US Congress after the defeat of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a Republican Party primary election in Virginia.<br /><br />First elected in 2000, Cantor had a huge fundraising advantage over rival David Brat, an economics professor and member of the hard-right Tea Party Movement.<br /><br />Although turnout was low, Brat’s shock 56% – 44% victory highlighted growing conservative dissatisfaction with Cantor. <br /><br />During his campaign, the underdog challenged Cantor’s stance on immigration and raised budget issues.<br /><br />He will go on to face Democratic nominee and Randolph-Macon College colleague Jack Trammell in autumn’s general election.
