Kaine cites double burden of being governor, party chief

Within sight of home base for his first day job, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine spent some time yesterday focusing on his second.

The chairman of the Democratic National Committee joined the organization's executive committee for its business meeting, held yesterday afternoon at the Omni Hotel in Richmond.

He thanked them for their support and patience as he tries to tend to both tasks during a difficult time. "I am trying to juggle two pretty challenging jobs," he said. "It's not an easy time to be a governor."

Kaine was appointed chairman by President Barack Obama, a close friend. Not surprisingly, Kaine was complimentary of the president's first 100 days in office.

But Kaine is grappling with the same dismal economic news as other governors and he told the group of several dozen that these days are challenging and daunting.

"We both feel the optimism of a new day and a new direction, but we also feel the challenges in our own lives and our own communities and in the lives of so many people that we interact with and represent," he said.

"It puts a heavy burden on all of our shoulders to be the best leaders we can be at a challenging time."

Kaine talked about building the Democratic Party and the organization -- something he has a stake in with the state's governorship up for grabs this year. Virginia and New Jersey are the only states holding gubernatorial elections this year, which means the Virginia race will at least partly be considered a referendum on the administration so far.

About 200 Democratic state officials, executive committee members and party staff attended the meeting.

Both parties already are pouring resources into Virginia. Democrats want to hold the momentum that turned the state for Obama, and the Republicans want to stop it.

"Having come through such a wonderful election cycle, we've seen state party strength build and build, but we're not resting on our laurels," Kaine said.

Contact Olympia Meola at (804) 649-6812 or .