Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's office on Friday declined to provide additional details to Republicans who inquired about his recent political trips outside of Virginia, citing legal precedent and state law.
Pat Mullins, chairman of the state GOP, last week filed a Freedom of Information Act requesting specifics about when and where Kaine has traveled beyond Virginia's borders this year for political purposes.
Republicans have criticized Kaine's out-of-state jaunts, accusing the governor of neglecting the state to focus on his work as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
When named to that post by President Barack Obama earlier this year, Kaine told reporters that he would treat the job as a part-time venture until his term as governor ends in early 2010.
But Kaine's travels have come under increased scrutiny from political rivals and members of the news media clamoring for more information about his itinerary.
Kaine has said that he will answer questions about his travel if asked. The governor's press office releases a weekly public schedule of his travels in Virginia but does not provide a list of other places he visits. Kaine has recently attended Democratic events in North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Illinois and Missouri.
In addition to the governor's travel log, Mullins' FOIA request sought information about whether any of the trips cost taxpayers any money. Kaine's staff has said his DNC travels are not done at state expense.
In a letter to Mullins, Kaine
spokeswoman Lynda Tran wrote that about $10,000 has been spent this year on travel and lodging expenses for the law enforcement officers assigned to the governor's security team who have accompanied him on political trips.
Tran said the DNC will reimburse the state for those costs. She referred Mullins to the Virginia State Police, which keeps records about the Executive Protection Unit that guards the governor, for more information.
Tim Murtaugh, a state Republican spokesman, said officials plan to review the response from Kaine's office over the weekend before commenting further.
Kaine is not the first Virginia governor to serve as the head of a national party while in office; then-Gov. Jim Gilmore was named chairman of the Republican National Committee in 2001, his final year in office.
"I don't think there's any instance that anyone can cite that indicates that the governor has not been 110 percent in command of the state and giving his full attention to his duties, and that is the ultimate issue," said Jay Timmons, who served as chief of staff under then-Gov. George Allen, a Republican.
"It's unfortunate when political parties and public officials elected at any level, regardless of their party affiliation, quibble over minutiae and process and not policy direction" and the critical issues confronting that state and nation, Timmons added.
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
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Does Kaine have something going..
on in Argentina too? He'll publicise his travels within VA only? All other treks are none of the VA citizens or tax payers business?
You know Kaine will be sitting on this
Republican would be on the burning explaining the trips, but since it's a democrat, the same rules do not apply. Just ask Nancy and Barney about double standards from D.C.
Timmy boy is robbing the
Timmy boy is robbing the state and giving to the DNC before he leaves. He has no intention of repaying Virginia Taxpayers. He should be impeached now.
Don't Blame Kaine for the Problems
First off, Kaine isn't the reason things aren't getting done at a state level. Unfortunately, Republicans still control the House of Delegates and all of the "special" committees. So, anything that looks hopeful gets shot down and I'm sure there have been ideas that Kaine hasn't even bothered with because he knows that no matter how good the idea, unless a Republican thinks of it, it's going to get shot down. Now, you guys want to make a big deal about Kaine's travel with the DNC? Give me a break. No one made a stink when Gilmore was doing the same thing trying to promote his party, but, I guess because he was a Republican, that was okay. Get over it! Kaine has been a great Govenor! Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to show his full potential because of the bipartisan crap that goes on in Richmond. How sad...
Blame Game
When did they change the rules of the blame game? That's not the way it was played with President Bush when the Democrats had control.
The difference, as usual, in situations like these..
are the Pilot would be leading the charge if a Republican governor was doing such things, as they did to Gilmore when he was the gov. With Kaine, and any other Dem in office, we'll get these reports buried in the back of the paper, and that will be the end of it, no editorials. no follow ups, etc.
I wonder if all those who are criticizing Kaine
criticized Gilmore too? At least Kaine does not leave the Commonwealth unattended. The republicans really need to move on to a better issue.
And........
I’d be willing to bet not a word would have been said nor a dime repaid had someone not called him on it.
How?
"Spokeswoman Lynda Tran wrote that about $10,000 has been spent this year on travel and lodging expenses for the law enforcement officers assigned to the governor's security team who have accompanied him on political trips.
Tran said the DNC will reimburse the state for those costs"
-------------------------------------------------------
Can that be LEGAL for Virginia Taxpayers to "front" money for Kaine's travel expenses?
What OTHER expenses have WE paid for him to attend functions for his benefit, not ours? (Hotels, gas, meals flights?)
Actually.......not really a surprise!
Kaine has short changed all Virginian's.
Kaine has short changed all Virginian's. He knows he has been a lame duck Gov. since day one and has accomplished nothing of any substance. He has not properly managed the budget crises and changes projections almost weekly. He must believe this DNC gig gives him some political stature since he is so ineffective in handling Virginia’s affairs. He can not even get the pot holes fixed on I-64 and I-264.
Why?
Kaine sounded so open about it. "just ask" he said. At first I thought the FOIA request was just partisian politics. But since Kaine is now stone-walling the FOIA request.... Hmmm. I think there's a problem....