Voices of Virginia Democrats — Alfonso Lopez: The nation needs a leader like Tim Kaine.
When I think about my old friend and boss U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, my mind is immediately drawn to his response to the terrible tragedy at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, when 32 of Tech’s finest were killed and many others wounded.
Governor Kaine had just reached Japan to start an Asian economic development trip when he received word of the shootings. He immediately returned to Virginia and arrived in time to attend the campus memorial convocation for the victims the next day that was broadcast around the world.
Kaine spoke without notes or prepared remarks, quoted scripture, and urged the Tech community to hold onto the “spirit of community” that it had shown the world amid such grief. He comforted grieving families and visited the wounded. His empathy and strength brought Virginians from across the Commonwealth together.
If we measure a person by their reaction in moments of extraordinary tragedy and stress, then throughout those horrible days the nation saw in Tim Kaine both a public servant and a leader of great courage, empathy and determination to do right by the victims and their families, Virginia Tech, and our Commonwealth.
To move Virginia forward, Governor Kaine successfully worked across the aisle to further the goals of his Administration and secure accomplishments that provided real progress for his constituents. The accomplishments of the Kaine Administration resonated with Virginia voters, who elected him in 2012 to the U.S. Senate– where he has served with distinction.
The choice of Senator Kaine as the Democratic nominee for Vice President makes Virginia proud. Simply put, he is experienced, effective, and above all authentic. Virginia residents, business leaders, fellow Members of Congress, and senior Administration officials echo these sentiments. They see, as I saw, that he is a tireless public servant who is respected on both sides of the aisle for his vision, intelligence, clarity, friendliness, and ability to get folks from all points of view to work together. Genuine, pragmatic, and focused on results, he has an infectious optimism. He looks at every decision from a people perspective.
And through all his success, he treats people with respect — an aspect of his personality that shines through in all of his interactions. Simply put, he is one of the best public servants and one of the best individuals I’ve ever encountered.The nation will benefit greatly from the compassion and leadership of Tim Kaine.
Alfonso Lopez
Alfonso Lopez represents the 49th District in the Virginia House of Delegates and serves as the Democratic Whip. He also served as the Director of the Virginia Liaison Office in Washington, D.C. for former Governor Tim Kaine.
