Kaine’s Schedule

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D), who said he’s in “serious” talks to become Barack Obama’s running mate, will be away from Richmond for more than a week starting Saturday.He will leave Saturday at Camp Pendleton in Hampton Roads, Va. for a vacation, then he will attend the Southern Governors’ Association annual meeting in West Virginia starting August 8, said Kaine’s spokeswoman Delacey Skinner.

Buzz about the Kaine as a possible veep pick has picked up Tuesday, after the Washington Post reported that he has spoken with Obama and provided the campaign with documents for vetting. Kaine said on WTOP Tuesday that he wouldn’t talk about his conversations with the Illinois senator.

“I didn’t endorse Sen. Obama to get anything or to get appointed to anything,” said Kaine, who also noted that he has supported Obama’s presidential bid since early 2007. “I endorsed him because I thought he would be president and should be president.”

Kaine did rule out becoming a vice presidential nominee at a press conference Tuesday morning. Here’s his response when asked whether he wanted the post.

“I haven’t sought it. I’m not running for it. I’m not asking for it. I’ve never asked anything of the campaign. I didn’t endorse him to get anything; I endorsed him to help him. And, again, the area where I can — I think I can be most helpful is in Virginia, which, in an odd way, you know, Virginia, which has not been competitive in the past. Republicans didn’t need to come and Democratic candidates were, like, ‘Why bother?’ Right now, Virginia is definitely in play. And I’m going to be helpful there in whatever capacity. And I look forward to it.”