Tim Kaine gets a warm homecoming in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. — Sen. Tim Kaine received a hero’s welcome outside his Richmond home, capping off his debut as Hillary Clinton’s running mate.

Hundreds of neighbours and other well-wishers greeted Kaine and his wife, Anne Holton, on their return to their home in Richmond on a hot and sticky Saturday night.

The Kaines had spent the day campaigning with the Democratic presidential candidate, who chose Kaine for the No. 2 spot on the Democratic ticket just 24 hours earlier.

Cheers erupted when Kaine and Holton arrived at their home in the tree-lined Ginter Park neighbourhood on Richmond’s north side about 10:30 p.m. They had been in Miami at midday for his first appearance with Clinton since joining her campaign.

Kaine spoke for about 10 minutes at his homecoming, noting that he had launched his political career three decades ago in the same neighbourhood when he sought a seat on the Richmond City Council. He joked that far fewer people had showed up for that announcement.

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Carol A.O. Wolf, a longtime friend of the Kaines, said the close-knit neighbourhood felt it important to turn out and show their support for their neighbour.

“This is his ‘hood, this is Kaine country,” said Wolf. “He may be for her, but we’re with him.”

During his remarks, Kaine told his neighbours how thankful he was for their support, as well as for their indulgence for allowing the Kaine’s yard to sometimes look a little ragged.

But he also gave a mini-stump speech, which included pointing out the importance of Virginia in presidential politics, from its history of nurturing early presidents to its current status as a battleground state.

He urged his friends and supporters to help him win the state for Clinton, saying there was too much at stake to let Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win.

Kaine took jabs at some of Trump’s more controversial positions, including a proposed ban on the entry of Muslims from other countries. Kaine told the crowd that the American tradition is not to punish or prefer people based on religion and said, “If it’s Muslims, it could be Mormons next week.”

His wife coaxed him to finish up and told the crowd, “I’ve got to get him to bed.”

On Sunday morning, the Kaines attended St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, their longtime parish. Kaine — a former choir member — sang a solo during Communion, and Holton thanked church members for their continued prayers.

Kaine said the church, which has a large African-American membership, has been central to his family’s life in Richmond for the last 32 years.

“We needed some prayers today,” Kaine told reporters outside the church after the service. “And we got some prayers and we got some support, and it really feels good.”

Alan Suderman, The Associated Press