In late March, some 100 students across the Commonwealth joined in an effort to support Tim Kaine for U.S. Senate this November.
Consisting of a number of young adults from Virginia's public and private four-year institutions of higher education, they penned their cause "Students for Kaine." One of those students, James Driver, attends Longwood University. In a March 29 press release, Kaine said, "These students represent the future economic success of our Commonwealth and our nation, and I am honored to have their support."
He continued, "For many years, the United States led the world in higher education attainment, but in recent years, we have started to slip. I believe the single most important thing we can do to ensure our sustained economic success is to develop the world's most talented workforce and reclaim our top ranking. These young people who have stepped forward to join this campaign will be a part of the generation that helps rebuild our economy."
Driver said he does not know many details about the effort, but says that the majority of the work will come in late summer and fall. Likely, the students will be working toward spreading the word of Kaine's campaign and helping raise awareness of his platforms.
Kaine, who served as Virginia's 70th governor from 2006-2010, began his career in politics on Richmond City Council, focusing on improving the quality of the city's public school system. He assisted in helping Richmond construct the first new schools in a generation and spearheaded the Maggie Walker Regional Governor's School.
As lieutenant governor and governor, he continued to stress the importance of public schools in the Commonwealth by establishing the Governor's Career and Technical Academies. Under Kaine, Virginia's pre-K program was expanded as well. He created a capital bond package that passed in 2008, helping a number of projects across the state at higher education instructions. That bond, at a June 2008 Longwood Board of Visitors meeting minutes reported, provided $29.5 million for the renovation and addition to Bedford Hall, an ongoing project. Additionally, $800,000 was allotted for the new IT Center on campus.
For more information on Students for Kaine, including a list of current members and mission statements, visit http://www.kaineforva. com/students.
