Opinions on Timothy Kaine (Virginia Governor)?

[IdaBriggs]

I'm looking for some insight into this man for someone I know who is possibly going to be meeting him soon. Any thoughts you'd care to share? Thanks! :) Ida

[AlecBGreen]

1. my 2 cents

never having met him, he looks like a great guy. A Southerner, Virginian, and a Christian. He seems quite progressive in some ways, but is unabashedly afraid to defend his beliefs when they run counter to what other people expect from him (i.e. death penalty, abortion, etc). I dont agree with him on every issue but I have great respect for his ability to stand by his beliefs. I think he is doing a great job trying to tackle urban growth (SPRAWL) and the transportation issue. Its a tough fight but he came out of the starting gate strong and he is pushing the issue hard. He's gonna be a great Governor. Now, if we can only give him a legislature that will work with him...

-Alec

[VaYallaDawg]

2. I have many personal encounters with him.

He used to be my Richmond city councilman. A very, very intelligent man with a strong ethical sense and religious beliefs (as the poster above me indicated) that he discusses very willingly and openly. Tim is probably more liberal (in the tax sense) than most voters in VA recognized, but he has an excellent sense of both financial responsibility and fair play. And I couldn't agree more heartily with my fellow DUer that it would be terrific if he had a sensible legislature to work with. That crowd knows one priority and one only - securing their own little kingdoms of power. Stay tuned - many of them will try every tactic known to make Gov. Kaine look bad.

[oxbow]

3. I and my college Democrats worked for his campaign

I didn't meet him, but those who did only had good things to say about him. He makes Kilgore look like he's got learning problems, but I was seriously unimpressed when the Dems had him do the response to Bush's State of the Union a few months ago. He talks at you too much for my liking, but has some good ideas behind that politician's facade.