Woodbridge, Virginia (January 4, 2009) – In spite of countless statements expressing no interest until he completes his term as governor, news leaked today that Tim Kaine will be joining Barak Obama’s team in Washington in the coming weeks after all. Kaine has once again reversed himself, this time in accepting Obama’s offer to become Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). As the nation’s leading partisan Democrat, Kaine will be Obama’s top cheerleader and will work to advance Democratic proposals.

Kaine’s decision comes just days prior to the start of the General Assembly’s regular annual session, where legislators and the governor are facing a three-billion-plus shortfall in the state’s budget – perhaps the most challenging fiscal environment Virginia has seen in two decades.

“It is very disappointing that at a time when Virginia needs its elected leaders from both parties to come together and work to solve the serious issues currently facing our Commonwealth, Tim Kaine breaks yet another pledge, this time taking a job he said he wouldn’t accept”, said Delegate Jeffrey M. Frederick, Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.

Frederick was referencing a statement by Kaine prior to the election when he was asked if he would accept a position as DNC chairman if Obama were elected. Citing his need to focus on Virginia’s budget crisis Kaine responded:

“That’s not something I’m going to do. I don’t view that, frankly, as consistent with being governor… I would view it as taking my eye too much off the ball about things that need to happen here.” [Washington Post, January 4th]

Many political observers believe Kaine has been an excessively partisan executive, the likely reason his three years as governor has accomplished little. Most initiatives he promised during his campaign, as with other legislative initiatives he has proposed have failed to win the approval of the legislative branch, even with Democrats controlling the Senate.

From today’s Washington Post:

Former delegate Vincent F. Callahan Jr. (R-Fairfax), who retired from the House last year after four decades in office, said Kaine has a different style than [Mark] Warner, whom [Callahan] supported last year for U.S. Senate. "[Kaine] is much more partisan, much more confrontational,'' Callahan said.

 “Now is not a time for more partisanship from our Governor, but a time for leadership, to cross party lines and provide solid, common sense solutions for Virginians who are hurting and worried about their future. This is the wrong move and sends the wrong signal to the people of Virginia at such a critical time,” Frederick said.