I am proud to have known Tim Kaine before he went into politics. In fact, I vividly remember the night he came over and sat on the back porch and told us he was going to run for city council. He has always been unpretentious, down to earth, and willing to take the shirt off his back for anyone. Fortunately, his political success hasn’t changed him.

Tim has a tremendous love for the outdoors and will be a great steward of Virginia’s natural resources. We go on an annual week long canoe and kayak trip with our kids. You should see our Governor after a week without a shower: sunburned, bandana on his head, sleeveless T shirt, and cheap NASCAR style sunglasses. I have the pictures to prove it.

Tim and his family have been wonderful, supportive neighbors. We are saddened to not have them next door every day, but look forward to their return in four years. Our neighborhood’s loss is Virginia’s gain.

- John W. Knapp Jr.
Verizon Government
Affairs Director
Next Door Neighbor in Old Neighborhood

We met with Governor Elect Timothy Michael Kaine in his transition office in downtown Richmond. His office had a great view of the state Capitol and Old City Hall outside his window. Just as Capitol Square was undergoing a massive transformation in time for the 2007 unveiling of the newly retrofitted Capitol and state offices, so was the Governor Elect’s own staff. Former Delegates Viola Baskerville (now Sec. of Administration) and Preston Bryant (Sec.of Natural Resources) were buzzing around behind the scenes, as were other supporters. The newly elected Governor was in the midst of organizing his Cabinet even as the Warner Administration prepared to pack up and leave town.

We thought as we looked at the view that there was some resonance in the juxtaposition of Old City Hall and the Capitol in the landscape below. A relative political newcomer, he came from modest beginnings on the Richmond City Council only to jettison onto the statewide stage in 2002 as the victor with 50% of the vote for Lieutenant Governor.

We showed him a picture of Thomas Mann Randolph and asked if he could identify the former Virginia Governor (1819–1822). He didn’t miss a beat and said Randolph was the first son in law of a

Virginia Governor to become Governor himself. Tim Kaine is the second. His father in law, the Hon. A. Linwood Holton was Governor from 1970 to 1974.

The Governor Elect said, “Other than Martha Jefferson Randolph, Anne [Holton, his wife] is the only person who is the child of a Governor and then was married to one.” We said other biographical facts included that the Randolphs had 11 children. We asked if the Kaine - Holtons were planning on expanding their brood
of three to compete with them. He laughed heartily, and said, “No, I think we’re fine!”

BACKGROUND

He explained what led him, a Missouri native to Virginia in 1984.

I first met Tim in law school more than 20 years ago, and I was as impressed then as I am now at how bright and approachable he is. For the past four years, Tim has been a strong and valued partner, advisor, and friend, and I’m confident he’s going to be a great Governor who will keep Virginia moving forward.

- The Hon. Mark R. Warner
Governor of Virginia
2002–2006

COVER PROFILE

Virginia’s 70th Governor

The Hon. Timothy M. Kaine

Moving Virginia Forward

By Alyson L. Taylor-White