Rallying the party faithful in Atlanta less than 24 hours after the historic vote, the former Virginia governor says that while 2010 will be difficult for Democrats, he is encouraged that they can be on the offensive in the Peach State, as well as states from Vermont to Hawaii.
"We see wonderful opportunities to pick up seats," Kaine said to the cheering crowd of 1,500 at the Georgia Democratic Party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. "This Georgia governor's race is very, very appealing to us at the DNC. I think we can take this governor's mansion back."
Georgia Democrats, who are in the minority, have been looking forward to November, when they hope to take back the state they ruled for generations. The five candidates seeking the gubernatorial nomination are Attorney General Thurbert Baker, former Gov. Roy Barnes, House Minority Leader DuBose Porter, former Georgia National Guard Commander David Poythress and Ray City Mayor Carl Camon.
Kaine stopped short of predicting Georgia's conversion from a red to blue state, but said it could be "reliably competitive."
Monday night's event came less than 24 hours after the U.S. House approved legislation that would extend insurance coverage to 32 million uninsured and pave the way for near-universal medical coverage. Kaine led the celebration of the vote and the cheers for Georgia's Democratic Congressional delegation.
"The American people reward problem solvers," Kaine told the audience. "That's what we Democrats are. This health care bill will be great policy for Democrats all over this nation."
Kaine said the party can capitalize on such victories in the fall by touting Obama as a successful leader committed to fulfilling his campaign promises. Kaine also praised the quality of Democratic candidates across the country and said the party would not only play defense in November.
"It ain't gonna be easy in a challenging time with an energized opposition," Kaine said. "But the Republicans have some challenges. There's a civil war going on over there."
Over the past month and a half, Kaine has increased his visibility, fundraising and travel to rally support for President Barack Obama's agenda - specifically the health care overhaul and economic fixes - and minimize expected Democratic defeats in what's shaping up to be a difficult election environment. A close friend of the president who shares a similar political style, Kaine is among those Obama has turned to as the White House seeks to right the ship. He left office Jan. 16 after four years. Virginia governors cannot serve consecutive terms but he could run again.
Vowing to help was the state's outgoing Agriculture Commissioner, Tommy Irvin - the longest-serving constitutional officer in the country who is leaving office at the end of the year after 41 years in the position.
He and former Atlanta mayor, congressman and U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young were honored with "Georgia Giant" awards from the party.
"If you need me, call me," Irvin told the crowd as he accepted the honor. "I will respond. We must retake the governor's office. I believe we can win."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/3/228017