Clinton Chooses Sen. Tim Kaine for VP

Clinton Chooses Sen. Tim Kaine for VP
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, accompanied by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., right, speaks at a rally at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, Thursday, July 14, 2016. Kaine has been rumored to be one of Clinton's possible vice president choices. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
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TAMPA, Florida  — Hillary Clinton named Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine as her vice presidential running mate Friday, adding a centrist former governor of a crucial battleground state to the Democratic ticket.

In a text message to supporters, the presumptive Democratic nominee said, “I’m thrilled to tell you this first: I’ve chosen Sen. Tim Kaine as my running mate.”

On Twitter a few seconds later, Clinton described Kaine as “a man who’s devoted his life to fighting for others.”

Kaine himself tweeted, “I’m honored to be her running mate.” The two will make their first appearance together Saturday at a rally in Miami.

Clinton’s decision caps a highly secretive, months-long process to find a political partner. Clinton called Kaine by phone around 7:30 p.m. Friday to offer him the job, and he accepted, according to a campaign aide. She then called President Barack Obama to inform him of the decision.

Kaine, 58, had long been a favorite for Clinton’s ticket. Active in the Senate on foreign relations and military affairs, he built a reputation for working across the aisle as Virginia’s governor and as mayor of Richmond. He’s also fluent in Spanish, which could help the campaign appeal to many Hispanic Americans who have been turned off by Republican Donald Trump’s harsh rhetoric about immigrants.

U.S. Senator-elect Tim Kaine at the Downtown Richmond Marriot after winning the Virginia U.S. Senate seat on November 6, 2012 in Richmond, Virginia. Kaine defeated former U.S. Sen. George Allen in a tight race. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
U.S. Senator-elect Tim Kaine at the Downtown Richmond Marriot after winning the Virginia U.S. Senate seat on November 6, 2012 in Richmond, Virginia. Kaine defeated former U.S. Sen. George Allen in a tight race. Patrick McDermott/Getty Images