Governor Kaine to head DNC

The Politico reports that Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has been tapped by President-elect Barack Obama to head the Democratic National Committee. Kaine has always been an ardent supporter of Obama. In fact, he was such a strong supporter that he took time away from his Governor’s duties to campaign for the incoming President, even though Virginia was facing a huge budget crisis.

During Kaine’s service as Governor, he has been known as a tax hiker and has spent on many unnecessary services, such as mandatory Pre-Kindergarten. Kaine also supported regional tax authorities and abusive driver fees, which were deemed unconstitutional under the Virginia Constitution.

How can Kaine devote himself as a full-time Governor, while raising money for the DNC? It is against a long standing rule for legislators to raise money during the General Assembly session, and Kaine is currently under scrutiny by Virginia Republicans for hosting a upcoming fundraiser for the Virginia Democratic Party (which is not allowed). (Source: Roanoke Times, December 31, 2008)

We do not need our Governor taking time off from the worst budget crisis that Virginia has faced to lead a national party and violating a prohibition to fundraise during the General Assembly session. It is simply unethical, and the state needs common sense solutions and leadership to address the budget.