By Bob Gibson
Daily Progress political blogger

    Virginia Democrats apparently are leaning toward presidential candidate Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton.

    Many top Democrats believe that Obama would do better in the state than Clinton against any Republican opponent.

    A few days ago, 9th District Rep. Rick Boucher made that argument as he endorsed Obama.

    Boucher, a 13-term Democrat representing Southwest Virginia’s Fighting Ninth, said Obama does better in red states and rural regions.

    Apparently 8th District Rep. Jim Moran, an Alexandria Democrat whose last rural patch of his Northern Virginia district was developed a few decades back, also agrees Obama is the more electable and better presidential choice.

    Moran is set to endorse Obama next week prior to the Feb. 12 Virginia Democratic primary, said his brother, Del. Brian J. Moran, D-Alexandria.

    Moran has resisted pressure from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi not to endorse Obama, according to a knowledgeable Democratic Party source.

    Gov. Tim Kaine said Tuesday night on Roanoke public radio station WVTF’s Evening Edition program that nationally Obama is the underdog right now but that can change by Feb. 12.

    “I think he’s almost gotten this race to a dead heat,“ said Kaine, who endorsed Obama 11 months ago. “I think he’ll do well this Saturday in South Carolina, and if he does I think that will take him into the Feb. 5 states nearly closing the gap with Sen. Clinton. I think the primary in Virginia is going to be relevant to the race and to the Republican nomination as well.“

    I asked Kaine what he would tell Obama if the senator becomes the nominee and asks him to run for vice president as his running mate.

    “I would tell him it’s flattering to be mentioned, but I’ve got a job,“ the governor said. “I did not endorse him to get anything or to ask for anything. I endorsed him because I thought he was the right person. I think I can help him, and I want to help him, and I’m trying to help him, but I think I can help him in other ways.“

    There wasn’t a hint of Gen. Sherman in that non-denial denial.