Obama Taps Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine to Lead Democratic Party

Strategic Insights -

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine will become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee, tasked with reinforcing the White House message, preparing for the 2010 midterm elections, and raising money. Kaine plans to work at the party part-time until 2010, when his term as governor is up and he can take over the DNC full-time. President-elect Barack Obama has also chosen Jennifer O'Malley Dillon as the executive director to run day-to-day operations at the party. The Republican National Committee is meeting to discuss a new chairman, following sweeping defeats in two straight elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine has been chosen by President-elect Barack Obama to become the next chairman of the Democratic Party, replacing Howard Dean who plans to step down on January 21.
  • Kaine will work part-time until 2010, when his term as governor is up and he can take over the DNC full-time.
  • Jennifer O'Malley Dillon has been chosen as the executive director to run day-to-day operations at the party.
  • The Republican National Committee is meeting to discuss a new chairman, following sweeping defeats in two straight elections.
  • Kaine campaigned vigorously for Obama in Virginia during the presidential run and was considered a possible running mate.
  • Kaine was mentioned as a potential choice to serve as education secretary, but Obama chose Arne Duncan instead.
  • Virginia law prohibits an incumbent governor from running for reelection, which means Kaine cannot seek re-election in 2009.

Statistics:

  • 44 years: The amount of time since a Democrat last won Virginia in a presidential election.
  • January 21: The date when Howard Dean will step down as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
  • 2010: The year when Kaine can take over the DNC full-time after his term as governor ends.
  • 2009-2010: The midterm election period when the Democrats will need to fundraise and prepare for elections.
  • 2: The number of straight elections the Republican Party lost, prompting a need for a new chairman.
  • 2008: The year when Kaine was mentioned as a potential running mate for Obama.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press (The Associated Press)
  • The Washington Post (The Washington Post)