Why couldn't Tim Kaine run for Virginia's 7th Congressional District instead?

[Independent_Voice]

I know that Tim Kaine isn't eligible to run for a second term as Governor of Virginia in 2009...but some people seem to insinuate that that's one of many reasons why he'd be a "logical" choice as Obama's running mate.

But why not plan a run against Eric Cantor for the Virginia's 7th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives instead? If Virginia turns blue in '08, Democrats will want to make headway with capturing more of Virginia's traditionally-held congressional districts. With Jim Webb and (likely) Mark Warner in the U.S. Senate, Tim Kaine (who'd be leaving the Governor's mansion in January 2010 anyway) would seem to be the highest-profile Virginia Democrat most likely to make that happen.

Also, if Kaine becomes Vice-President under Obama, then doesn't Bill Bolling take over as Governor until Virginia's 2009 gubernatorial election? (making him the early favorite)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Bolling

Many on this board have expressed apprehension about Kaine's stance on abortion (his strong personal opposition to it, despite the fact that he says he wouldn't want Roe vs. Wade overturned). Although abortion doesn't affect me as a male, I can certainly understand how that would make many women who are in favor of reproductive freedom more than a bit nervous about Kaine.

Personally, for me, what bothers me the most about Tim Kaine (aside from his endorsement of Lieberman's presidential campaign in 2004) is his opposition to civil unions, which I've seen him quoted in the press as maintaining. I don't expect most Democratic politicians to take a public stance embracing same-sex marriage at this point, but -- as a gay man -- in my view, for a politician to say that basic civil unions should not be allowed between two people who love each other is something I view as a big fat "FUCK YOU!" from anyone who wants my vote...Democratic, Republican, or third-party tickets. Especially if that person could be shaping public policy from coast-to-coast someday.

I know many people will sneer "It's only one issue" (most likely those whom the issue doesn't personally affect), but Kaine's view here is so outside the mainstream that it causes me to wonder what stances he has on other issues of importance to me. Separation of Church and State? Prohibiting censorship of the Internet or broadcast/cable media? Eliminating the bureaucracy and cost-ineffectiveness of the health care system? Encouraging state-by-state reforms to work toward fair, free, and open elections? Reforming the tax system, including relief for small business owners? Supporting farms that are family-owned or not run by the largest agricultural corporations? What would Kaine's priority list look like if he became the heir apparent in 2016, or -- deity forbid -- had to take over for Obama before then if Obama was unable to continue in office?

Like it or not, whoever Obama selects as a running mate will be part of the ticket -- and we essentially would be voting for that person alongside Obama. That individual, whoever he or she is, could be a heartbeat away from taking over as president if an unforeseen emergency arises.

The media keeps spouting the mantra that Obama is struggling with Latinos, women, whites, elderly Americans, working-class citizens, white male elderly working-class citizens, NASCAR fans, evangelicals, Rachael Ray fans, military veterans, the Hilton family, and a myriad of other categories of people (even though several polls show McCain struggling with many of the exact same "groups").

But why is Kaine the only person who could enhance the ticket to attract such demographics. Wouldn't Bob Graham, Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, or Bob Schweitzer accomplish that very same goal? (although Biden couldn't really frame himself a Washington "outsider," and Schweitzer has his gubernatorial reelection in Montana this November)

Other people point out the need for a running mate to serve the "attack dog" role. How aggressive was Kaine during his gubernatorial race in 2005 (or even during his tenure as Governor)?

I just don't understand how people are so inclined to trust Kaine so easily on the national stage? I have some things about Biden or Bayh that make me a little uneasy about either of them, but I think their views could evolve if either went on to become V.P. -- but Kaine, I have serious doubts.

[Tarheel_Dem]

1. So you want someone with whom you agree on every issue? Good luck with that.

I will trust Obama to make a considerate pick. I may not agree with them on every issue, just as I don't agree with Obama 100%, but I know that whomever he chooses will be 1000 times better than the McCain ticket.

[Independent_Voice]

5. I don't agree with Obama on every issue...

I support same-sex marriage, so I'm not in agreement with 95-99% of politicians out there. That's beside the point. If I was basing my vote so narrowly on that single issue, I wouldn't have voted for Kerry in 2004 (which I did).

For me, having basic domestic privileges with my future husband is a deal-breaker for me. In the same way support for freedom of choice is a basic deal-breaker for many women. Then there is the array of other issues that I commented on...NONE of the Veepstakes candidates named by the MSM seem to be very deeply vetted -- at least not in public -- about the issues that I care about most as a voter.

But with Kaine specifically, his narrow-mindedness on civil unions raises serious questions with me as to what kind of leadership he'd provide on similar issues dealing with equality and liberty.

[Alexander]

2. Yes, let's instead attack all of Obama's potential VPs before he tells us his choice.

That's a great way to win this election. :eyes:

:sarcasm:

[Tarheel_Dem]

3. A hit & run job? Would be nice if the newbie came back to answer us, huh?

[Independent_Voice]

7. I'm back

Although I suppose if you have a certain quantity of posts on DU, that makes you more "entitled" to express an opinion or reservation about an issue.
:sarcasm:

[Independent_Voice]

6. Hmmm

I hope you're taking that same tone with everyone else who's tearing apart Bayh, Clinton, Biden, Sebelius, and Richardson. Because I'm not the only one to have raised concerns about a possible V.P. choice.

[book_worm]

4. No, if he's not going to be VP let him finish out his term as Gov.

[Independent_Voice]

8. That's what I was suggesting

Under the scenario I proposed, Kaine would announce a run against Cantor sometime in late-2009 or early-2010, as he's finishing up his term as Governor. He'd challenge Cantor in the 2010 midterms.