Kaine's Mom Loves The Veep Buzz

WASHINGTON – VA Gov. Tim Kaine is officially in Washington today to talk traffic and see his daughter.

But asked by a local radio host if he'll be meeting with Barack Obama, who is also in town, Kaine said: "My daughter and I are spending family time together today, and that's the only secret meeting that's going to happen."

The governor, whose status as a "seriously considered" candidate for the Democratic veep nom is getting front-page treatment this morning, appeared on WTOP's "Hands Across the Potomac" radio show to talk with local leaders about congestion and housing prices, among other issues.

But less than a third of the way through the hour-long program, Kaine faced questions about his rumored veep vetting by Barack Obama's team.

"It's flattering to be mentioned," Kaine joked. "My mom loves it."

But Kaine emphasized that as governor of a state widely-viewed as in play this year he can also help Obama win the White House. "That's my focus in helping him in any way I can, and the place I think I can be most helpful in my current capacity as Governor is helping him out in Virginia," Kaine said.

Further pressed as to whether or not he is being vetted, Kaine repeated his desire to stay mum. It's "for the campaign to decide," he said, adding, "I think I'm just not going to talk about my conversations with the campaign."

DC Mayor Adrian Fenty was asked by host Mark Seagraves to chime in about his colleague's prospects. Fenty, who appeared on the radio show along with Kaine and MD Gov. Martin O'Malley, also demurred. "Whatever decision [Sen. Obama] makes I will support 100%," he said.

Kaine is expected to take questions ON CAMERA from the press later this morning.

(NBC/NJ's CARRIE DANN)