Local leaders assess Biden’s selection

By Denice Thibodeau

Published: August 23, 2008

Sen. Barack Obama announced early Saturday that he had chosen Sen. Joe Biden, D-Delaware, as his vice-presidential running mate in the upcoming presidential election.

While some local Democrats said they were looking forward to seeing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on the ticket, they said they would support Obama’s choice.

Delegate Ward Armstrong, D-Martinsville, said he was disappointed that Kaine wasn’t chosen as Obama’s running mate.

“I’m a close personal friend of the governor and was hoping he’d be picked, though it speaks well of his leadership that he was clearly in contention until the end,” Armstrong said. “But I’m also a big fan of Joe Biden and he’ll be a good running mate, especially with his knowledge of foreign relations. He’s one of the most knowledgeable people about Iraq in Washington.”

The chairman of the Pittsylvania County Democratic Committee, Robert Neals, said he had been looking forward to seeing the

Virginia governor on the ticket as well.

“I think (Biden) is a good choice, though I’m a little disappointed our governor was not selected,” Neals said. “Joe brings a different perspective and will lift up the campaign. I believe the Democrats will win.”

Tom Perriello, the Democratic hopeful running for Rep. Virgil Goode’s Senate seat, said he thinks Biden is a good choice for Obama.

“(Biden) has a working-class background and understands the struggles families are facing in this economy,” Perriello said. “He’s also willing to challenge Republicans or Democrats on national security issues, and I think that’s what is needed right now in Washington.”

At least one local Republican wasn’t as impressed with the announcement.

Delegate Danny Marshall, R-Danville, said he was a little surprised by Obama’s choice, even though he brings foreign policy experience to the table that Kaine lacks.

“In the news reports, it looks like all the Democrats are excited about Biden,” Marshall said. “But Obama talks about wanting to change Washington, and it goes in the face of what he’s been saying to pick someone who’s been entrenched in Washington for 36 years.”

Contact Denice Thibodeau at or (434) 791-7985.