The Hill News

Retiring Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) would like to see Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine run for his Senate seat, he said Wednesday.

“I’d like to see Tim Kaine run,” Webb said when responding to a question by The Virginian-Pilot about who he would prefer to replace him.

Additionally, Webb said that he planned to campaign for whoever the Democratic nominee is.

“I’ve said I’ll work to help our candidate this year and next year,” Webb added.

Last week Webb announced he'll retire from the Senate in 2012. Since then Kaine's name has been frequently mentioned as a possible Democratic nominee for the seat. On Tuesday Kaine said was going to talk with President Obama about running for the Senate seat. Other Democrats have urged him to ! jump in the race but so far Kaine has said he hasn't made a decision yet.

Last month Kaine said he would not run for the seat if Webb retired.

In 2009 Kaine was handpicked by Obama to chair the DNC. He also served as governor of Virginia from 2006 to 2010.

On the Republican side, former Sen. George Allen (R-Va.) and Tea Party activist Jim Radtke have both announced their candidacy for the seat.