House tentatively approves a ban on Virginia governor serving as national party chairman

No one in the Republican-run House of Delegates mentioned former Democratic governor Tim Kaine's name tonight, but no one needed to.

The House tentatively approved a bill that would prohibit Virginia governors from serving as the chairman of a national party.

Republicans criticized Kaine during his last year in office for serving as chairman of the Democratic National Commitee.

"When we elect a governor in Virginia -- whether they be Democrat or Republican -- we need him in Virginia, addressing Virginia's needs,'' said Del. Bob Purkey (R-Virginia Beach), who introduced the bill.

Former governor Jim Gilmore served as chairman of the Republican National Committee.

House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong (D-Henry) voted against the bill. "Quite often on this floor we argue about nannyism. Well, I don't think we ought to be a nanny with the governor either. He's a big boy ... I don't think we ought to tell them what to do."

An amendment offered by Del. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) to add the attorney general in the bill was deemed not germane by House Speaker Bill Howell (R-Stafford). The House is expected to approve the bill tomorrow. It then will head to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where its fate is uncertain.