Tim Kaine

Former Gov. Tim Kaine, now a candidate for the U.S. Senate, declared his support for a compromise plan to raise the debt ceiling after the measure cleared the House of Representatives last night. And, as you might expect, he criticized the Republican candidates who have expressed opposition to the bill. Expect to hear more on this subject in the days and months ahead. Here is Kaine’s statement:

“While far from perfect, the current approach before Congress maintains economic stability by raising the debt ceiling and enacts important spending cuts that will help preserve our nation’s and Virginia’s credit rating. This is the beginning of a much longer process as we work to rebuild our economy.

“I’ve said all along that our approach to restoring fiscal responsibility must be both bipartisan and balanced. By establishing a joint committee with representation from both parties that is empowered to make additional cuts as well as raise new revenue, Congress has said that they also want a bipartisan and balanced result. And, I sincerely hope that negotiating without the specter of default or economic collapse will result in less partisan maneuvering and grandstanding and more pragmatic solutions.

“I’m disappointed that my Republican opponents joined the Tea Party in choosing default over bipartisan compromise. As the next U.S. Senator from Virginia, my commitment will be to always put the best interest of the Commonwealth and the nation over politics, as many Members of Congress have done by standing behind this flawed but necessary agreement.”