RICHMOND
Hours after his party suffered crushing losses to Republicans in all three statewide elections, Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine this morning told reporters that he will work with governor-elect Bob McDonnell to produce a “seamless” transition for the new administration.
“It’s important to get this transition right because of the challenging times ahead,” said Kaine, alluding to the recession-related budget woes Virginia continues to face.
Kaine, who serves double duty as chairman of the national Democratic party, also responded to questions about what the GOP sweep means for Democrats just one year after party candidates scored major election victories in Virginia.
The governor sought to put a positive spin on the outcome but acknowledged that Wednesday “is not quite the good morning” he’d hoped it would be.
Kaine said Democrats face “some tough reassessments and rebuilding” efforts after the voting blocs that backed the party last year either didn’t show up in droves at the polls Tuesday or sided with the other ticket.
He credited McDonnell for running a “disciplined, focused” campaign and praised his ability to adroitly navigate adversity when it arose.
Democrat Creigh Deeds, whom McDonnell dominated, was an “underdog” throughout the race because he lacked the public profile of his opponent and had to play catch-up after surviving a three-way primary in the spring, Kaine said. McDonnell, a former attorney general and state delegate from Virginia Beach, was unopposed for the GOP nomination.
Kaine said Democrats still have much to be proud of and, responding to a reporter’s question, said he expects to continue serving as Democratic National Committee chairman.
Virginia, he said, is a more competitive state now than it was at the start of this decade and one that neither “party can take for granted.”
For more details, return to PilotOnline.com later and read tomorrow's Virginian-Pilot.
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Wow alot of you commentators
Wow alot of you commentators really hate Tim Kaine... I mean what did he do that was so polarizing and divisive? Oh I forgot he tried to balance the budget and put smoking bans in restaurants... oh evil!! And can you believe he wants a seamless transition... how dare he!!!
He was a friendly guy and helped VA alot, I see good things in his future
What do I have against Kaine?
He was a consistent enemy of Liberty.
At every choice between personal responsibility and freedom, or growing the power of government over our lives and earnings, he chose government over Liberty.
I don't know yet if McDonnell will be a friend of Liberty or just a different flavor of oppressor, but Kaine has been the worst governor with respect to Liberty I have endured in my lifetime.
the only thing kaine did wrong
The only thing Kaine did wrong was.....he's a Democrat, and Lord know how YOU hate a democrat.
Its not Democrats
Its authoritarians I despise.
Johnny Joannou, for example, is a Democrat but a hero to me.
Ken Stolle is a Republican, but an authoritarian I despise.
Government exists to protect my rights, not use force to control my choices in life when they do not impinge on the rights of others.
Those who do not get that are my enemies, regardless of party affiliation.
you know what i despise
Unyielding gun advocates. Yep, authoritarians!
I'm confused... an enemy of
I'm confused... an enemy of liberty? He was governor for 4 years not the head of the KGB. Why does every anti-democrat message have to be he's fascist or he's communist? its speaks a lot when all you can do is throw around baseless, ignorant, sensational claims.
You really should watch less Glenn Beck, there's better stuff on TV, really!
Examples
Restaurant smoking ban - I don't like smoking either, but this is an issue of property rights.
Opposed eminent domain reform being placed in the VA Constitution. Now the reform bill can be nibbled away piece by piece by localities empowered by the Kelo decision. No home or business is safe if a crony of those in office wants it.
Twice vetoed restaurant carry for CHP holders, while allowing concealed carry for assistant commonwealth attorneys even if they do not have concealed handgun permits or don't even qualify. The lives of government officials have more value than yours or mine.
As I wrote, a consistent enemy of Liberty.
Don't mind him. He likes to
Don't mind him. He likes to make sweeping and unsupportable statements chock full of fake gravitas.
Wow! That's a whole lot of governors,
since the war between the states.
Did not vote for McDonnell
However, I do hope he succeeds at his promises to create jobs, build roads, improve education and balance the state budget. He and the Republican legislature hold all the cards. In the spirit magnanimity I wish us all good luck.
They were in the voting booths.
"Anyone wonder where all the Virginia voters that obama/kaine supposedly delivered in 2008 were this election?"
They were in the voting booths, a year older and a lot smarter this time.
"Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me."
Good riddance!!
Good riddance!!
Look out for the dust and smoke
As difficult of a time as Kaine has faced during his term, I'd be surprised if he doesn't just toss McDonnell the keys and says 'good luck, you're going to need it' as he heads out of Richmond. I wonder how long of a honeymoon period McDonnell will get before people start screaming at him . . . He is taking over a job that few could possibly want at this time. As the VP pointed out: he's going to have to take a strong ax and do some serious budget cutting that is certain to make people mad.
all the preying (pun
all the preying (pun intended) in the world and his nice haircut will not save him. He is on course to be the worst most reviled governor in Virginia history. Those fantasyland plans he campaigned on will never see the light of day. I hope you like his kool-aid folks, cause that's all your getting.
RE: All the preying
" I hope you like his kool-aid folks, cause that's all your getting." As opposed to the drink you've been swallowing since last year????
Timmy Kaine says the wins in
Timmy Kaine says the wins in VA and NJ were no reflection on the Obama administration. Are you kidding me?? Kaine never has and still doesn't have a clue. He is blaming it on history. No Timmy, people are angry about the Obama administration's socialist agenda, health care proposals, his continuous apologizing to the world, and lack of decisiveness in Afghanistan. The democrats are going to figure this out too late and are going to get crushed in 2010. So much for your DNC career.
oops!
Height
Posters Beer Summit
We can toast Kaine's departure at the Beer Summit at the Fossil Rock Inn in Chesapeake Thursday after work.
mcd has hit the hight of his political career
Elected governor McD will not advance in his political career. No one in their right mind would think he is senate or POTUS material.
Thank God he will only be in office 4 years.
I can't help but wonder just what you think McD will get accomplished in his term?
This is too funny....
So kaine is going to suddenly 'make time' to help McDonnell and the transition? I wonder how Deeds feels about that? I mean, Kaine couldn't even find time to do much for him. Like I said, this is a hoot!