NRSC Falsely Accuses Kaine of Not Supporting Drill Bill

Twenty hours after former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine applauded legislation to allow oil and natural gas drilling off the coast of Virginia, the National Republican Senatorial Committee was still accusing him of standing against the measure.

Sens. Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner, both Virginia Democrats, on Wednesday introduced the Virginia Outer Continental Shelf Energy Production Act of 2011, which would provide that half of any leasing revenues be funneled to the state for various projects.

That afternoon, Kaine and Allen sent out statements in support of the measure. Hours later, the NRSC took a swing at Kaine, suggesting he "stands to the left" of the senators by not supporting the bill.

"It's no surprise to see liberal former DNC Chairman Tim Kaine once again standing far outside the mainstream in Virginia," said NRSC spokesman Chris Bond.

Kaine spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine said: "I know these guys like to attack without regard for the truth, but this is ridiculous by even their standards. In the spirit of bipartisan cooperation, I'm happy to add them to our press list so they know what they're talking about before their next attack."

from Wesley P. Hester @ the Richmond Times-Dispatch