For the second time in as many weeks, former Gov. Tim Kaine, now a candidate for U.S. Senate, made Loudoun County a campaign spot.

Speaking to 25 or so members of the local business community Feb. 15 at the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, Kaine continued with his message about growing Virginia’s “talent economy.”

The 53-year-old politician reiterated many of the issues he touched on during a Feb. 8 interview the Times-Mirror, such as balancing the budget, reforming corporate taxes and finding common ground with Republicans.

Kaine, Virginia’s Democratic governor from 2006-2010, is expected to square off against former Republican governor George Allen. Sen. Jim Webb, a Democrat, is not seeking re-election.

Kaine, following the discussion, said the politically-charged Loudoun County will be critical for any candidate who plans to take the commonwealth.
The Democrat took Loudoun County in his 2005 campaign for governor.

When asked about funding for extending Metrorail into Loudoun, Kaine said he believes significant federal and state dollars should be contributed for the project, which he said is critical for local economic development.