Obama Pushes DNC Chairman Kaine Toward Senate Bid

NEW YORK — President Barack Obama is nudging Democratic Party chief Tim Kaine toward a run for Senate, saying he'd be an outstanding lawmaker.

Obama delivered the plug Tuesday while Kaine was nearby at a Democratic fundraiser.

Kaine is a former Virginia governor who has been considering a run ever since Virginia Democratic Sen. Jim Webb said he won't stand for re-election next year. Democratic officials think Kaine is the best person to help the party keep the seat.

Republican George Allen, a former senator and a former Virginia governor, has already announced his candidacy.

Kaine recently told a college class that he's likely to become a candidate.

Obama joked about speculation that Kaine was considering "plunging back into the hurly burly of electoral politics" and said he'd be outstanding in the Senate.