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Va. Gov. Kaine Rises to Top of Obama VP Pool

Says talks are 'very serious'; Biden, Bayh, Sebelius in contention

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 29, 2008 11:56 AM CDT

(Newser) – Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is in “very serious” talks about a spot on the Democratic ticket, sources tell the Washington Post. The 50-year-old has joined Sens. Evan Bayh, Joe Biden and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Barack Obama’s shortlist, bringing outsider credentials though no experience in foreign affairs, which is perceived as an Obama weakness.

Kaine, a former mayor of Richmond, shares Kansas roots with Obama, whom he met while campaigning in 2005; aides say he’s provided background information needed to check for issues that could emerge in a national campaign. In addition to Biden (considered gaffe-prone and a Washington insider) and Bayh (safe but conventional), Obama is reportedly still looking at Sens. Hillary Clinton and Chris Dodd and former senator Sam Nunn.

Joe Biden
Joe Biden   (AP Photo/Steve Pope)
In this Jan. 29, 2008 file photo, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, and presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama.
In this Jan. 29, 2008 file photo, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, and presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, left, stands on stage with Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama.
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, left, stands on stage with Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine.
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine.   (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)
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