BY OLYMPIA MEOLA

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-7^th, has thrown his support behind Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling for governor in 2013.

Bolling is seeking the GOP nomination, as is Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, who has a 3-to-1 lead over Bolling for the party’s nod, according to a recent poll.

Cantor called Bolling “one of the most experienced candidates that has ever sought the position of Governor in Virginia,” and said as governor, he would “continue the successful policies of Governor Bob McDonnell.”

“He has the right experience, the conservative values and the ability to unite our Party so we can win in 2013.”

Bolling served on the Hanover County board of supervisors and as a state senator before running for lieutenant governor. He’s now in his second term.

Bolling deferred his gubernatorial bid in 2009, allowing McDonnell, who was then attorney general, to run and avoid a nomination battle. McDonnell is now also supporting Bolling’s bid.

A Quinnipiac University Poll released June 6 shows Cuccinelli leads Bolling 51 percent to 15 percent.