New DNC Head - Tim Kaine

Following the tradition of being the Party leader, President-elect Barack Obama, is making it clear Virginia Governor Tim Kaine (D) will be the new chairman of the Democrat National Committee (DNC).

The Washington Post began to confirm this story today.

Kaine will replace out-going DNC chairman Howard Dean later this month at the groups national Winter meeting.

Governor Kaine is barred by the Virginia state Constitution from seeking a second term and has one year remaining in the state's executive position. Until his exit in early 2010, he'll serve as DNC chairman part-time. Although criticized by Democrats, one of Kaine's predecessors- Governor Jim Gillmore (R) - was appointed in his final year to head the RNC and followed a similar time schedule.

Kaine, 50, a fellow alumni of Harvard Law School, was an early and vocal supporter of Barack Obama during his primary fight against Hillary Clinton. Kaine was mentioned frequently as a candidate for Vice President, which never materialized.

Obama is expected to make it official later this week to the members of the DNC. This is the first leadership post - even though its not actually in the government - Obama has made incorporating a Southerner in leadership.