WASHINGTON — Hillary Clinton announced Friday that Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., would be her vice presidential pick. Virginia politicians gave mixed reactions to Kaine joining the Democratic ticket.
Shortly after Clinton made the announcement on Twitter, Kaine tweeted, “Just got off the phone with Hillary. I’m honored to be her running mate. Can’t wait to hit the trail tomorrow in Miami!”
Clinton said in a statement that she did not make her decision lightly, stating that she wants a vice president who can be her partner in bringing the country together.
“I want someone who will be able to give me their best advice, look me in the eye, and tell me they disagree with me when they do,” she said.
Many fellow Democrats released statements showing support for Kaine joining the ticket.
Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker
“I am delighted that Hillary Clinton has chosen Virginia’s Tim Kaine as her pick for Vice President — someone who is as qualified as he is kind. Tim Kaine is a true Virginian in every sense of the definition. He rose through the ranks from city council member, to mayor, to lieutenant governor, to governor, to U.S. Senator — and he has never forgotten his Virginia roots or abandoned his progressive values. He has the respect of people from all political parties and more importantly, all walks of life.
“Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine will draw upon their experience to lead this country with sound judgment, statesmanship, and unwavering commitment to the hardworking families that define the fabric of America.
“Tim Kaine and Hillary Clinton know that we are stronger together. Americans need a partnership that will help our nation prosper by building upon the successes of the past 8 years and building an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. There’s no path to the White House without Virginia and Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine will be an inspirational and unstoppable force in November.”
Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va.
“I enthusiastically applaud Secretary Clinton’s choice. Without reservation, I can say there is no one of higher integrity and trustworthiness.
“I first met Tim Kaine in law school 37 years ago, and our paths crossed years later in Virginia politics. Whether serving as mayor of Richmond, Virginia’s lieutenant governor, governor, and now as U.S. senator, Tim has always shown a commitment to serving others.
“He always finds reasons for hope and optimism in every situation, and he is centered by his faith and his family. Our country, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, will be very well-served by electing Tim Kaine as Vice President.”
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va.
“[Tim Kaine is] just a really good person. He will fit very well with Mrs. Clinton. He’s been the chair of the subcommittee on the Middle East on foreign affairs, obviously where the biggest things are happening in the world. He’s been a good, successful governor, a successful mayor. In Virginia, we like to say the road to the White House runs through Virginia. Having Terry McAuliffe and Tim Kaine as the vice presidential nominee makes it much more likely we [the Democrats] win Virginia.
“Tim just has unimpeachable integrity. He worked as a Jesuit missionary in Central America, he’s a devout Roman Catholic and there hasn’t been a whiff of scandal around Tim Kaine. I think that helps this ticket, especially after the State Department email bit. Anything that helps people believe and feel that the Democratic ticket is truly trustworthy really helps.
“In the worst tragic case, he is fully ready to be president and we can’t say that about many vice presidential nominees in the past.”
Gov. Terry McAuliffe
“I am thrilled to congratulate my friend Senator Tim Kaine on his selection to join the Democratic ticket with Hillary Clinton. As a Mayor, Lieutenant Governor, Governor and United States Senator, Tim Kaine has demonstrated that he is the right choice to help lead our country forward as Vice President of the United State. His experience, intellect and dedication to making life better for people from all walks of life will make him an enormous asset to Secretary Clinton throughout the remainder of this campaign and as a leader in her administration over the next four years. This is a proud day for every Virginian.”
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling
Congrats to Tim Kaine on being asked to run for VP. I don’t always agree with Tim on issues, but respect him as a person and wish him well.
— Bill Bolling (@lgbillbolling) July 23, 2016
Virginia House of Delegates Democratic Leader David Toscano
“Senator Tim Kaine has served with distinction as a United States Senator, Governor of the Commonwealth, Lieutenant Governor, Mayor of Richmond and member of the Richmond city council. He now has the wonderful opportunity to serve as the next Vice President of the United States. This election will decide whether we will embrace positive programs to move our country forward or embrace the radical far-right policies of Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Virginians will cast their vote based Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine’s dedicated record as public servants vs. Donald Trump’s objectionable character and radical far-right agenda.”
Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia
“No one is smarter or harder working than Tim Kaine. He embodies the meaning of a true public servant. Virginia is a better Commonwealth because Tim Kaine served as Lieutenant Governor, Governor and Senator and this country will be a stronger nation when he is our Vice-President.”
Virginia Republicans also released statements weighing in on the pick.
Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford
“Senator Tim Kaine is an honorable public servant. Even though we disagree on policy and principle, I respect him. His character makes it all the more surprising that he would sign up to defend Hillary Clinton for the next three and a half months. However, Senator Kaine’s selection as the Vice Presidential nominee does not change that this election is ultimately a referendum on Secretary Clinton. Virginians will cast their vote based on her record as Secretary of State, objectionable character, and far-left agenda.”
Republican Party of Virginia Chairman John Whitbeck
“It is no surprise that Hillary Clinton has chosen Tim Kaine to be her running mate. In recent weeks, Tim Kaine has demonstrated his willingness to defend the indefensible, simply to avoid the heartbreak of being left at the altar a second time.”
“Virginians know the real Tim Kaine — the Governor who breaks his promises not to raise taxes, and who shuts down rest stops to blackmail the legislature into raising taxes. They know the U.S. Senator who shifts to the left when he thinks he has a chance at higher office.”
“Virginians know this Tim Kaine all too well. We look forward to educating our fellow Americans about the real Tim Kaine.”
