Virginia Governor 'to chair DNC'

Governor Kaine was an early supporter of Barack Obama

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine is set to be the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee, US media report.

Mr Kaine, who was high on Barack Obama's list of possible running mates, is the president-elect's choice.

The new chairman will have a key role in relaying the Obama administration's message, raising funds, and preparing for the 2010 mid-term elections.

Mr Kaine will succeed Howard Dean, who led a root-and-branch overhaul of the Democratic Party's organisation.

Mr Dean's "50-state" strategy, which involved having Democratic Party workers on the ground throughout the US, is widely seen as a key factor in Mr Obama's election success, correspondents say.

I knew we knew we were separated at birth and I had to support him Tim Kaine, speaking about Barack Obama in 2007 Profile: Tim Kaine

He plans to step down on 21 January, the day after Mr Obama is inaugurated.

Mr Kaine will take over when the Democratic Party party elects officers later this month, and by tradition the committee follows the wishes of a sitting president, the New York Times reports.

The Virginia governor was an early backer of Mr Obama and campaigned vigorously for him during the election campaign.

Mr Obama won in Virginia, the first for a Democrat seeking the presidency in 44 years.

Mr Kaine will serve part-time as the DNC chairman until his term as governor expires at the end of 2009.

He was elected in 2005 and is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election.

The Republican National Committee is due to choose a new chairman on 28 January.

There are six candidates, including the current chairman Mike Duncan.