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Looking ahead to gubernatiorial race, Kaine hopes Warner stays in Senate

Posted at 5:48 PM, Nov 07, 2012
and last updated 2012-11-07 18:26:33-05

RICHMOND, VA (WTVR) -- Just hours after defeating Republican Senate Candidate George Allen, Senator-Elect Tim Kaine addressed the news media about his victory Tuesday night.

Kaine made clear that he wants Senator Mark Warner to stay with him in the U.S Senate. It has been rumored that Warner is considering another run for Governor next year.

"I really want Mark to stay in the Senate I think he is doing some real important work," Kaine said.

Kaine's biggest challenge may be the fact he is headed to a divided Congress as a high-profile freshman Senator.

"You have to be true to yourself, true to your values, be a good listener and be willing to compromise," Kaine said.

But that may not be so easy. CBS News and 60 minutes recently profiledthe state of affairs in the United States Senate. 

The story reported how former Indiana Senator Evan Bayh left the chamber because of the partisanship.

"Everything is so short term, politically tactical. It is all how we win the next vote," Bayh told CBS News Correspondent Steve Kroft.

Kaine however is not phased by the chambers reputation. Repeating advice that former Va. Senator John Warner gave him.

"It is not in the water supply, it is not sic building syndrome, it is in the character and inclination of the people that walk into the building every morning," Kaine said.

Kaine will begin orientation next week and will then be sworn in in early January.

Kaine plans on forging a partnership with an incoming Republican Senator, hoping to build a bipartisan relationship, as well.