Normally, when a Republican endorses a Democrat in a tightly contested, high profile Senate race, it’s a pretty big deal. In this case, it would be a bigger story if it didn’t happen.
Linwood Holton, Republican governor in Virginia in the early 1970s, had plenty of nice words to say about Democrat Tim Kaine — his son-in-law — in a fundraising email sent to Kaine’s supporter’s Monday. Kaine is married Holton’s daughter, Anne.
“These days, we need people who will roll up their sleeves and focus on getting things done instead of fighting over everything all the time. That’s the approach I used in my term as governor, and it’s the same approach Tim Kaine used in his term as governor,” Lindwood Holton said. “And more importantly, he will bring his bipartisan, results-oriented approach to the U.S. Senate — exactly what we need more of in Congress.”
Former First Lady (and First Daughter) Anne Holton has been a staple on the campaign trail for Kaine, appearing at events statewide and holding coordinated efforts with President Obama’s campaign. It was only a matter of time until her father got involved as well.
The name recognition of a former governor from four decades ago would best resonate with older Virginians, but it’s still quite a ways back. We’re anxiously awaiting to see who Susan Allen’s father picks in the race.
