Kaine sidesteps VP questions
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 10:50 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under:
Democrats
From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann and NBC's Ben Weltman
WASHINGTON DC -- Officially, Gov. Tim Kaine (D) is in Washington to talk traffic and see his daughter.
Asked by a DC radio host if he'll be meeting with Obama today, the vice presidential prospect replied, "My daughter and I are spending family time together today, and that's the only secret meeting that's going to happen."
VIDEO: While not making "categorical declarations," Gov. Tim Kaine says he's focused on running the state of Virginia and spending the day with his daughter, not talking to Barack Obama about a possible V.P. candidacy.
The Virginia governor, whose status as a "seriously considered" candidate for the Democratic vice presidency is getting front-page treatment this morning, appeared on WTOP's "Hands Across the Potomac" radio show to talk with local leaders about congestion, housing prices, and other local issues.
But less than a third of the way through the hour-long program, Kaine faced questions about his rumored vetting to be Obama's second-in-command. "It's flattering to be mentioned," Kaine joked. "My mom loves it."
But Kaine emphasized that his role in the gubernatorial mansion allows him the chance to boost his nominee's presidential bid. "That's my focus in helping him in any way I can, and the place I think I can be most helpful in my current capacity as governor is helping him out in Virginia."
Further pressed as to whether or not he is being vetted, Kaine repeated his desire to stay mum. The decision, he said, is "for the campaign to decide."
"I think I'm just not going to talk about my conversations with the campaign" he concluded.
Early Obama supporter DC Mayor Adrian Fenty was asked by host Mark Seagraves to chime in about his colleague's prospects. Fenty, who appeared on the radio show along with Kaine and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, also demurred. "Whatever decision [Sen. Obama] makes I will support 100%"
Kaine is expected to take questions ON CAMERA from the press later this morning.