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Local leaders assess Biden’s selection

Sen. Barack Obama announced early Saturday that he had chosen Sen. Joe Biden, D-Delaware, as his vice-presidential running mate in the upcoming presidential election.

While some local Democrats said they were looking forward to seeing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on the ticket, they said they would support Obama’s choice.

Delegate Ward Armstrong, D-Martinsville, said he was disappointed that Kaine wasn’t chosen as Obama’s running mate.

“I’m a close personal friend of the governor and was hoping he’d be picked, though it speaks well of his leadership that he was clearly in contention until the end,” Armstrong said. “But I’m also a big fan of Joe Biden and he’ll be a good running mate, especially with his knowledge of foreign relations. He’s one of the most knowledgeable people about Iraq in Washington.”

The chairman of the Pittsylvania County Democratic Committee, Robert Neals, said he had been looking forward to seeing the

Virginia governor on the ticket as well.

“I think (Biden) is a good choice, though I’m a little disappointed our governor was not selected,” Neals said. “Joe brings a different perspective and will lift up the campaign. I believe the Democrats will win.”

Tom Perriello, the Democratic hopeful running for Rep.