Kaine not interested in U.S. secretary of education job

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By Warren Fiske
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 4, 2008

RICHMOND

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is not interested in becoming U.S. secretary of education, thank you.

At least for now.

Several recently published reports have listed Kaine on president-elect Barack Obama‘s short list to head the Department of Education. Kaine, a close political ally of Obama’s, reiterated his intention Thursday to remain governor until his term expires in January, 2010.

“It would not be right to leave for a cabinet position,“ Kaine said during his monthly radio talk show on WRVA in Richmond.

Kaine said he told Obama in August and again last month that he would not consider a cabinet position before the end of his gubernatorial term. He has made similar comments to Virginia reporters.

Kaine added, however, that he would have left office early had he been offered the vice-presidency. Obama seriously considered Kaine for the No. 2 post this summer before choosing Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Delaware.

Kaine said he has read media reports this week that he was in the running for education secretary. “It was news to me,” he chuckled.

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Kaine worst Governor?

Submitted by leosevern on Sat, 12/06/2008 at 1:21 am.

Does the name Gilmore ring a bell? Maybe that was why he was trounced in the polls bc we are still dealing with his stupid car tax "relief". I hated the car tax, but you can't just cut out a huge portion of the budget, not replace it with anything and then expect everything to keep running smoothly. And all you GOP fans, why is it that your party doesn't look out for us over here in Hampton Roads but can fund all the new highways in Chesterfield & the West End of Henrico Counties? Hmmmm. Or how they want the rest of the state to subsidize the Western hick part of VA without giving anything back to the areas that actually generate revenue? If Kaine was to leave though, he might want to do it before he drops his budget on the 17th...

Qualifications

Submitted by Caspar on Fri, 12/05/2008 at 1:59 pm.

I'd like to see Kaine take that job. He's definitely not qualified to be Virginia's governor.

Joe Rob

Submitted by TR on Fri, 12/05/2008 at 8:08 am.

I point out 3 Shrub appointments and thats labelled "hate"!? You deadenders are thin skinned.

TR...

Submitted by Joe rob on Thu, 12/04/2008 at 10:49 pm.

try to stay on topic....this is about kaine's inability to govern this Commonwealth.....not about hating Bush.

Orion

Submitted by am81430 on Thu, 12/04/2008 at 10:38 pm.

I have given examples of his accolades, even listed them in the past. And I have done this repeatedly -- you continue to ignore them. Kaine is the recipient of many accolades as governor. As was Warner. You can click on my profile, view my past posts, find those relating to Kaine and you will see them. Or you can google it yourself. Or check the pilot archives. Your ingnorance on this subject is not my problem. I just think that it is laughable how people like you think Kaine is the worst governor ever. Obviously you are unable to remember anything before 2002.

UGLY

Submitted by waynel77186 on Thu, 12/04/2008 at 8:10 pm.

Is it my imagination or what?

Virginia has the ugliest politicians - hands down.

What happened?

Kaine needs to go

Submitted by lawrenceb82104 on Thu, 12/04/2008 at 7:46 pm.

Too bad he won't accept. It would be better for Virginia if he became someone elses problem.

Liz

Submitted by TR on Thu, 12/04/2008 at 7:05 pm.

Were you one of those peoples who believed that Sarah Palin (Wasila Mayor and Guvnah) is qualified to be the Vice President or even President of the US (if McCain was unable to fulfill his presidential duties)? If she is qualified to be be VP or P (in your eyes), would she be qualified to be the Secretary of Education? Or is the Sec job harder? Because surely someone with an econ degree, a Harvard Law degree, a practicing attorney for 17 years, a mayor, a LtGuvnah, and Guvnah... who works with his own cabinet education secretary, whose own agenda includes several state-wide education initiatives, has the qualifications. That is if Sarah does of course.

And a newsflash for ya, almost every state out there has a massive budget problem. And no rapport with a GOP led legislature? Shocking.

S.Rose

Submitted by desert_divine on Thu, 12/04/2008 at 5:23 pm.

I know what she looks like but her name escapes me. I remember her because she was on Jeopardy some months ago and got 'schooled'. A credit to the Bush administration (read with sarcasm), but at least she scored money for charity...