The Hill News

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine would be a formidable candidate in the campaign to replace retiring Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), two top Virginia Republicans said Friday.

Kaine, a former Virginia governor who is being pressured by Democrats to jump in the race, is seriously considering a run but won’t make a final decision until later this month or the next.
 
"He's been governor, he's known statewide," former Sen. George Allen (R-Va.), who is running for the seat himself, said Friday, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

"I would consider whomever the Democrats nominate to be a formidable candidate in that Virginia is going to be one of those pivotal states for ! control of the U.S. Senate."

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who succeeded Kaine, also said Kaine has a lot of strong qualities for a candidate.

"He'd be a very good candidate for the Democrats if he runs," McDonnell said. "He's a very good campaigner, he's a very affable and smart guy, but he's also got a record, too, that will have to be defended if he runs."

Kaine is speaking Saturday at the state Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson dinner, a high-profile event, but Kaine said he won’t make any announcement there about a would-be campaign.

Former Rep. Tom Perriello (D-Va.), who has also been mentioned as a possible candidate, will also be at the event.

Besides Allen, Tea Party activist Jamie Radtke is also running for Webb's seat.

Webb last week announced his plans to retire in 2012.