Democratic Tim Kaine, seeking a re-election in 2018 vote vs GOP’s Corey Stewart, got a huge boost for his campaign Wednesday when former senator and Republican stalwart John Warner endorsed Kaine, praising the candidate’s credentials and service.
The endorsement comes on the eve a debate between Kaine and Stewart, who has aligned himself with President Donald Trump’s policies.
Warner, a widely respected figure, expressed appreciation for Kaine’s contributions and bipartisan approach as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“Tim’s unquestioned integrity and moral character are sorely needed in the Senate at this most unusual time in our nation’s history.
“Americans, myself included, are fervently seeking to support the election of public servants with those basic but essential characteristics. For these reasons, Tim has certainly earned my vote and total support in this election,” Warner noted.
Kaine, who was vice presidential candidate in 2016 election, thanked Warner for his support.
“I am so humbled by these words of support by my friend and a public service role model, former Sen. John Warner. For 30 years as our Republican senator, John didn’t put party first. It was country first. It was Virginia first. I try every day to live up to that example,” Kaine said.
I am so humbled by these words of support by my friend and a public service role model, former Sen. John Warner.
For 30 years as our Republican senator, John didn’t put party first. It was country first. It was Virginia first. I try every day to live up to that example. pic.twitter.com/h6QRyMNUqa
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) September 26, 2018
Here is Warner’s full statement is below:
“I first met Tim more than twenty years ago when he was on the city council in Richmond, and we have been working partners throughout his service at every level of government – as mayor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor.
“How proud I am of Tim succeeding me on the Senate Armed Services Committee, carrying on this tradition and continuing to gain seniority in the U.S. Senate which benefits Virginia. Tim has followed my example in his ability to reach across the aisle – and even stand up to his own party – on important issues affecting Virginia and our nation.
“This has been particularly evident in his work on behalf of veterans, service members, and military families. I applaud the successful legislation that Tim has passed to increase troop pay, bring down the veterans’ unemployment rate, and expand the Navy’s fleet.
“I am forever thankful to Virginians, who allowed me to serve five successive terms as their U.S. Senator. One thing that service has taught me is that Virginians take great pride in our state’s long history in being home base for so much of America’s defense infrastructure – from the thousands of white hat sailors, and their families, in Norfolk, the Air Force in Tidewater, the Army’s ever expanding base at Fort Belvoir, and the combined military headquarters at the Pentagon in Northern Virginia.
“Tim’s unquestioned integrity and moral character are sorely needed in the Senate at this most unusual time in our nation’s history. Americans, myself included, are fervently seeking to support the election of public servants with those basic but essential characteristics. For these reasons, Tim has certainly earned my vote and total support in this election.”
