If I was McAuliffe, and it was within my legal power to do so, I would let the regular election for Cantor's seat go forward. No special election.

Hoist Cantor on his own petard.

Why can't he just serve out his term? He was elected, and he should serve.

In a sense, this is in the best interest of his constituents (though I have long believed we would all be better served if Cantor wasn't around).

I just have a hard time believing he's doing something altruistic.

but I'm certain Cantor is cutting deals and organizing his own future with far greater intent than he is looking out for other people. But as with most things political, many people may benefit from Cantor's decision (some outside Cantor's own circle, too).

all finished up, like, say, a lobbying job where they want him doing the work ASAP?

Does he have another candidate in mind, someone who will run for the interim seat and then maybe run as a write-in or find some way to wrest the sure victory from his nemesis???

Something fishy is going on here...he's forcing Brat to run again; maybe he wants to poison the well there?

...he should serve out he final months of his term, not forego them to immediately hop onto whatever cash-in opportunity he has lined up.

No reason to do this other that political maneuvering.

I thought the general election was the first tuesday of November and that happens to be the fourth.