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One day after President Obama announced his re-election bid, current DNC Chairman (and former Virginia Gov.) Tim Kaine has officially declared he's running for the open Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Jim Webb (D).
In a video on his campaign Web site, Kaine -- wearing a plaid shirt and sitting on wooden steps -- harkens back to his days as Richmond mayor, city council member, and governor. He makes no mention, however, of being Obama’s DNC chairman. There are no images or mention of the president, either.
He even takes a shot at Washington. Virginia, he said, has a “tradition of balance and civility that is sadly disappearing from Washington... I know that Washington can learn a few things from Virginia.”
Kaine's entry in the race represents the Democrats' biggest recruiting victory of the 2012 cycle, and he gives the Democrats, at worst, a 50%-50% chance of keeping Webb's seat.
His entry also potentially sets up an enticing general election against former GOP Virginia Sen. (and former Gov.) George Allen.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee issued this statement in response to Kaine getting into the race: “Over the last several years, Tim Kaine has been the most vocal cheerleader in Washington for the reckless fiscal policies and massive expansion of government that have been the hallmark of the Obama Administration. And now Tim Kaine is staking his election hopes on this costly partisan agenda that has failed to create new jobs while driving our national debt past $14 trillion
An unanswered question: Who replaces Kaine as DNC chairman? Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and current Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz are two names who have been mentioned for the post.
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If Kaine has any chance at all of beating George 'macaca' Allen - he better be more assertivethan he was as DNC chairman.
As a matter of fact, Kaine's lack of leadership @ the DNC caused me to donate elsewhere...
BTW: I would LOVE to see Debbie Wasserman-Shultze as the new Chairwoman! She's a little 'fire-ball' who doesn't take cr@p form anyone! ;o)
I first noticed Debbie Wassserman Schultz on the Sunday talk show circuit a couple of years ago and remember thinking she acquitted herself well against some of the 'big guns'. Saw her a lot more recently after the Gabby Giffords shooting and was still impressed. Did FR mention something yesterday about it being a while since the DNC had a female chair? Could be interesting!
She is articulate and unafraid. Wasserman Schultz would be an excellent pick.
Actually, I like Tim Kaine just not as DNC chair. Although, I agree about Wasserman Schultz being a fire ball, I wouldn't want her to leave Congress--we need her there. I'm thinking Ed Rendell would be a good one.
Wasserman-Schultz has a grill problem. She is my cousin's Congresswoman and they can't stand her. They are all Democrats and says she hasn't done one tangible thing for the community that she represents. They vote for her because no one else is running.
Feisty: I agee with your assessment of Kaine as DNC Chair. His pathetic lack of leadership led to the 2010 Democrat defeat in the off year elections. Democrats gave the 2010 election to the Republicans because they had no focused theme, no will power to form one, and no energy to do what it takes to win elections. Each candidate was on his or her own. I have never in all my life seen a more pitiful effort by any political party than the Democrats in 2010. My argument is that they should have lost and they did in 2010, and, if they want to continue with those tactics, then they will and should lose in 2012!
Actually you'll I don't think much of Mr. Kaine either but he does have one very important thing going for him. He ain't Geogre Allen. Truth be told Allen is having a real hard time trying to get his place on the Republican ticket secured. Seems he can't meet the Tea Bagger Taste Test.
Independent: I'm sorry but I know very little about Mr. Allen. I have to say, though, that I voted for a good many Republicans in the past, but I would vote for a yellow dog today before I would do so again. If Kaine would make no better Senator than he did DNC Chair, then I would have a difficult time voting for him. The Democrat Party in Virginia really needs to analyze the man's leadership qualities. On the other hand, Allen may have one thing in his favor, namely, Tea Party opposition. If he does, then he does have some sense of character. Still, he is running on the Republican ticket which means he will vote with his Party in the Senate, and thereby, cast a vote against the interest of the people.
I agree with Jody--would like to see Ed Rendell do the job---he is great in public. I like Debbie W-S and admire her courage as a cancer survivor but would hate to lose her voice in Congress.
Here we go again another person who just wants to get elected because there conections with the DNC. Mr. Kaine who has millions and has connections with lawmakers wants to get in on board. I am just a average working class citizen and I don't have the connections. But I am from Virginia and own a residence there. I have been in San Jose, CA working for the past few years. I should return to run for office going door to door and town hall meetings with out asking for money from the gov't, organizations and citizens. Just a straight foward Republican. This is what needs to be done. Have someone win a seat that will bring new justice to DC and have no strings attached.
I see the GPS Tracking chip I put out on Kaine finally found him.
He was a sorry excuse for a DNC chair and like Feisty - I made my donations locally and cut out the BS at the DNC. Until someone down there learns about party message and how to work the 24/7 cable news chatter - I will continue to boycott them.
I was VERY happy to make my donation to President Obama's re-election campaign last night! I wish they would have published the Day 1 fund raising. I feel certain that should send a shiver down the RNC's spine.
I am humming, "We're not gonna' take it! NO, we ain't gonna' take it....anymore!"
T.J. tea party opposition to Allen isn't because of his sense of character. He has none and he made a pretty bad Senator. They're questioning of him has more to do with Lack of purity for they're "ideals" Kaine was a ineffective Governor too but maybe he has made enough contacts to be a better Senator. At least we Va'ians could do everybody a favor and get Kaine out National political posts for a while. Kind of like the "Peter Principal" don't you know. Personally I wish Webb would have given it another go but I'm hoping he will run for Governor next cycle
Hello Independent: I understood your point the Tea Party opposes Kaine because of his lack of purity. I just couldn't help pointing out why I dislike the TP. Call it a weakness. ha Thanks for your reply!
To vote.
Homage to my Homie, Tom.
Agreed as to Kaine. Actually, I don't mind seeing him go -- at least from the party chair position. I love Debbie W-S, but bring back Howard Dean. Dean understands the big picture like no one else.
But NO George Allen. Frankly, any monkey at all, rather than George Allen.
Thats right AM call the man a monkey.
Do you want someone to call you a trashy _____________________. Fill in the blank.
While uttering "any monkey at all...", AM is a bit confused....for her it's a Sat. night and she's surfing Match.com.
ITM -- I expect nothing from you, and you never disappoint me.
CEO -- That's not what I do on Saturday nights. You?
AM :
Frankly I could care less about what you expect from me. You don't snore in my face everynight nor do you wash my drawers.
Sorry to disappoint you. You are definately not my type.
Oh! Happy Day!! Thank you to our next Senator (Kaine)! I agree with you Feisty, and would love to see Debbie get the post!
Hello,
I wish Sen. Webb would have continued in office. But former Gov. Kaine is a good man. I fully agree with those who recommend as his replacement at DNC the pride of Florida's 20th, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. In keeping with my general policy of positive input, I will not refer to the potential opposition candidate. Thank you,
Xando
Democrats will keep this seat Democratic. I hope we get some more good people in the Senate and get a 60 majority again so we can get America working again. Republicans are only interested in a Plutocracy so their wealthy donors will keep giving them money.
I wonder if he will use any rest stops in Virginia while campaigning.
He was terrible as our part time governor!
Tim Kaine can't distance himself from Obama's unpopularity in Virginia.
Color Virginia red in 2012; we will vote GOP up and down the ticket.
Take Strickland! Shultz is busy :)
It is a sad day when all the Democraps have is Howard Dean, Tim Kaine and Debbie(80s hair) Wasterman Shultz..Hell throw in Kucinich and Van Hollen its like the bottom of the crap barrell of Socialist Democrats. I predict Kaine will get smoked in the general(if he makes it that far) and Debbie WS should take the job because she will 100% lose her job because my parents live in her district and her approval rating is 26% aka they hate her. Maybe Claire I dont have to pay Taxes McCaskell will be interested because she is about to LOSE her Job also.. It would be a Godsend to the Republicans for the Dems to use either of them or Howard Dean because they all are Far-Left loons and will most definately sink whats left of the Liberal Democrats...I guess Obama has some sense after all to abandon and betray them in the end before his goose was cooked with them...UGGHHH never thought I would say that about Bush III Light LOL:)
What's the diffrence between Kaine and Allen? Really? NOTHING! They're both Washington insider, career politician types. They both have their donors and they both will answer to them and in fact the donors are the same for both. Nothing new here. Anybody who believes otherwise is just being foolish. Too bad for Virginia though, I visited there last month and it was beautiful.
True soazDan Here we go again another person who just wants to get elected because there conections with the DNC. Mr. Kaine who has millions and has connections with lawmakers wants to get in on board. I am just a average working class citizen and I don't have the connections. But I am from Virginia and own a residence there. I have been in San Jose, CA working for the past few years. I should return to run for office going door to door and town hall meetings with out asking for money from the gov't, organizations and citizens. Just a straight foward Republican. This is what needs to be done. Have someone win a seat that will bring new justice to DC and have no strings attached.
Tim Kaine is a milquetoast non-event. Glad you guys have him!