Gov. Kaine stumps for Obama at Liberty University

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine won scattered applause from Liberty University students Monday when he spoke as a surrogate for Democrat Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, but not much support for some of Obama’s positions.

A buzz rippled through students assembled for one of Liberty’s three-times-a-week convocations when Kaine called Obama “a person of strong moral values.”

After Kaine talked about Obama’s ideas for the economy and national security, he brought up “issues on which there are some concerns” — abortion and gay marriage.

Kaine explained that Obama hopes to reduce abortions through health care, education and abstinence, but “Senator Obama does not believe in outlawing abortion or overturning Roe. v. Wade.” A low rumble of voices went through the crowd, along with at least one barely audible boo.

On gay marriage, Kaine said he and Obama both believe “marriage is between a man and a woman. It is a sacred institution.” Cheers rose from the audience as Kaine sought to continue by saying, “but, but … he also believes that gay or lesbian individuals who make a commitment to each other should have basic rights.”

Both cheers and jeers greeted that comment, as Kaine went on to say those rights should include the ability to make contracts, share medical care and pass along property to one another. “Those rights should be respected by a civil society,” Kaine said.

Afterward, Kaine told reporters that “I knew what I was getting into” when he answered the Obama campaign’s request for a surrogate to appear at Liberty, which submitted 4,200 applications for voter registration to the Lynchburg registrar this fall.

Liberty has been host to two surrogates for Obama’s Republican opponent this year. Joe McCain, brother of John McCain, spoke to a Liberty convocation on Sept. 12, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., spoke to local Republicans and McCain volunteer workers last Tuesday.

Jerry Falwell Jr., Liberty’s chancellor, said he had invited Obama or someone from his campaign to speak earlier this year. The Virginia governor’s appearance was arranged hastily after Obama’s state campaign official Kevin Griffis last week indicated they could send a surrogate.

Falwell specified he wanted someone of national stature to represent the Obama campaign.

“I told him that I thought Gov. Kaine was comparable to the speakers who had appeared at LU on behalf of the McCain camp and that we would give him time” during convocation “as required by IRS rules.”

Falwell said that while it’s no secret who many people in the university’s administration support in the election, the school has not endorsed a candidate.

Kaine said he’s happy when people participate in elections, and he does not perceive those who support another candidate as an enemy. “It’s the ones who don’t participate that I have a gripe with,” he said.

Still, Kaine said, he knew more students would “support the other candidate. I don’t think it was a 50-50 crowd,” he said, adding that he didn’t know if he swayed any votes to Obama. “I’m not sure how many uncommitteds there still are” among voters, he said.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I said I was here as a surrogate for Obama that actually got some nice applause, so there are some Obama supporters here,” Kaine said. “This is a very engaged campus and I think that’s good.”

An Obama spokesman said Kaine flew to Lynchburg in a plane paid for by the campaign. One of the state budget cuts ordered by Kaine this month ended his use of state helicopters for travel.