Tim Kaine
(D) Virginia

Tim Kaine was inaugurated as the 70th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia on January 14, 2006. His successful campaign emphasized four principles to improve Virginia's quality of life: raising the bar for public education from competence to excellence; finding common-sense solutions to Virginia's transportation challenges; creating jobs in every part of the state; and giving local governments better tools to serve their citizens. Governor Kaine grew up in the suburbs of Kansas City, working in his father's ironworking shop. While in law school, he took a year off to work as a Christian missionary, serving as principal of a vocational and technical school in a small village in Honduras. Prior to his election as Governor, Kaine was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2001, having previously served four terms on the Richmond City Council, including two terms as Mayor.