Governor Tim Kaine to Chair DNC

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Updated: 11:14 PM Jan 4, 2009 Governor Tim Kaine to Chair DNC Governor Tim Kaine is set to become the next Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Two democratic officials confirm that President-Elect Barack Obama appointed Kaine. Posted: 6:05 PM Jan 4, 2009 Reporter: Bianca Spinosa Email Address: bianca.spinosa@wcav.tv

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January 4, 2009

Governor Tim Kaine is set to become the next Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Two democratic officials confirm that President-Elect Barack Obama appointed Kaine. However, back in November, the 50-year-old rising democratic star said he wasn't interested in the DNC job.

The Washington Post first reported the appointment Sunday, but Obama hasn't officially announced his decision yet.

Kaine plans to work at the DNC part-time until the year 2010. By then he'll have fulfilled his term as Governor, and he'll be able to take on the role full time.

Howard Dean is the current party chair and officials say he plans to step down the day after Obama's inauguration.

Local delegate David Toscano says the governor made it clear that his priority in 2009 is to stay Virginia's governor for his final year.

"There's been a lot of talk about Governor Kaine being named to a Cabinet position, but few people really thought about the option of him being named as the head of the Democratic National Committee," said Delegate David Toscano, (D) 57th District. "In some ways it makes perfect sense. He's a good Obama loyalist, and he can't take a full time job for another year."

Governor Kaine is one of Obama's earliest supporters --he was the first statewide office holder outside of llinois to endorse the senator.

Kaine was also on Obama's vice presidential shortlist in the summer.

With democrats controlling the White House and Congress, Kaine will be responsible for 2010 midterm election preparations and fund-raising.

Meanwhile, the Republicans plan to meet this week to find a replacement for departing RNC chairman Mike Duncan.

The last Virginia governor to head up one of the national committees is Jim Gilmore. He led the RNC during his final year in office.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Rusty Location: Shenandoah, VA on Jan 4, 2009 at 09:15 PM

Can you blame the guy? Gotta look out for number 1! After all that hard work he put in for our new Federal Overlord, I thought he may get a cabinet position, maybe something up his alley like secretary of transportation. Now he is the captain of a Sinking Ship. Glug, glug Timmy!

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