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  Rep. Connolly rules out 2012 Senate run; hopes for Kaine
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ContributorTX DEM 
Last EditedTX DEM  Mar 07, 2011 10:27pm
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News DateSaturday, March 5, 2011 04:00:00 AM UTC0:0
DescriptionRep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) took his name out of the running Friday in the race for retiring Sen. Jim Webb's (D-Va.) seat, while urging Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine to officially jump in.

"As I said in my recent speech at the Democratic Party of Virginia dinner in Richmond, Tim Kaine is a man of conviction and strong values," Connolly said in a statement. "Tim is a public servant in the truest sense of the word. He would make a great U.S. Senator and I hope he decides to run."

Connolly was among the rumored Democratic Senate candidates if Kaine were to decide against a bid, and taking his name out of the running now could be seen as a sign the popular former governor is leaning toward a 2012 run.

Connolly said he was "flattered that some would consider me a potential candidate," but made clear that he will run for reelection to the House next year, even if Kaine decides against a Senate run. He won his 2010 contest by a razor-thin margin over Republican Keith Fimian.

Kaine is widely seen as the best shot for Virginia Democrats to hang onto Webb's seat in 2012 and has been under heavy pressure — both publicly and privately — from party officials to make a run.

Kaine, who recently met with President Obama to talk about a potential campaign, is expected to announce his 2012 intentions by next week.
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