In a press conference at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) today, President-elect Barack Obama announced his selection of Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to succeed Governor Dean as Chairman of the DNC. Gov. Kaine spoke at the Kansas Democratic Party's 2008 Washington Days banquet.

"Governor Kaine is uniquely qualified to expand the coalition for change we built over the past two years," said President-elect Obama. "In a state as diverse as Virginia, Tim has been a successful governor not by appealing to our divisions, but by appealing to our common hopes; not by pursuing policies that advance any ideology, but by pursuing policies that work for the people of Virginia."

In a statement, President-elect Obama added: "Jen O'Malley Dillon is a tireless organizer, a beloved manager, and has served me as a trusted advisor. She will ensure that state parties, DNC members, elected officials, and candidates have the full attention of the DNC over the next four years, and that we will continue to build our grassroots movement from the ground up in all 50 states."

"In Virginia, we've treated politics as a way to advance policy and get things done for people," said Governor Kaine. "That's why we've not only won elections, but our state has been ranked as the best managed, and we’ve made meaningful differences in people's lives. President-elect Obama is giving me the opportunity to take that approach nationwide, and I'm honored to be here."

As Governor, Kaine has promoted smart growth reforms to help traffic move better and improve the quality of life in our communities, ramped up the number of children getting health care and a pre-K education, and invested in schools while holding them more accountable. Since Governor Kaine's election Virginia has been named the best managed state by Governing magazine and the best state for a child to achieve lifelong success by Education Week.

Kaine's term as Governor ends in January 2010.

Governor Kaine served four terms on the Richmond City Council, including two spent as Richmond's Mayor. He was elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 2001 and Governor in 2006.