Obama/Kaine

WASHINGTON -- Pres.-elect Barack Obama officially tapped VA governor Tim Kaine today as the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee, saying they share a "pragmatic, progressive philosophy" to govern across party lines.

"We cannot afford to abandon the movement we built," Obama said during an afternoon press event at party headquarters. "We have to strengthen it."

Kaine said he has three priorities as chairman: to promote the president's agenda, carry the "proud banner of a proud party," and find new ways to engage citizens in the political process.

"All Americans, however they voted on Nov. 4, have a huge stake in this president being successful," said Kaine, who was the first governor in the nation to back Obama's White House bid.

Neither man took questions.

DNC Chairman Howard Dean was absent from today's press conference. He exits the job having successfully executed the 50-state strategy that many Democrats criticized as overly ambitious and expensive early in his term. Today, however, Obama and Kaine offered praise for Dean, the former VT governor and 2008 presidential candidate.

"Howard deserves enormous credit for having ushered in a new era in Washington," Obama said, calling Dean a "visionary and effective leader."

Kaine added, "What a remarkable job he did in his four year tenure. I have huge shoes to fill."

Dean, who is traveling in American Samoa, issued a statement via the party's press office:

“I want to congratulate Governor Tim Kaine on being named the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee. I was actively engaged in Tim’s campaign for governor in 2005, and knew then he would become one of our Party’s great leaders. Tim's strong record of accomplishment has resulted in Virginia being named the best managed state in America and includes numerous important victories for Virginians including record breaking efforts in land conservation, increased funding for Virginia's schools and the newly approved rail transit line to Dulles Airport.

“Tim understands the importance of reaching out to everyone, standing up for our values and I know he will continue to build and strengthen our party from the grassroots up. Tim is the right choice to lead the Democratic National Committee into this new era of American politics. Democrats have made great gains over the past four years, but we know we still have work to do to ensure that we keep America moving forward as we support President-elect Obama’s agenda to address the critical issues facing our country."

With Dean's trip to American Samoa, he has completed his pledge as chairman to visit every state and U.S. territory. Though he wasn't at today's presser, a top aide said he would have gladly rescheduled his trip had he been asked by the Obama transition staff.

(JENNIFER SKALKA)