Virginia governor to replace Dean at DNC

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is set to become the next chairman of the Democratic Party.

Two Democratic officials said Sunday that President-elect Barack Obama had chosen the governor to take over the Democratic National Committee. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been officially announced.

Kaine plans to work at the party part time until 2010, when his term as governor is up. Current DNC Chairman Howard Dean plans to step down Jan. 21.

Obama has also chosen Jennifer O'Malley Dillon, who directed his battleground state strategy, to run day-to-day operations at the party as executive director.

Obama plans to include about $300 billion in tax cuts for workers and businesses in his economic recovery program as he seeks to win over congressional skeptics worried that he was too focused on government spending, advisers said.

The legislation Obama's team is developing with congressional Democrats will devote about 40 percent of the cost to tax cuts, including his centerpiece campaign promise to provide credits up to $500 for most workers, costing roughly $150 billion. The package will also include more than $100 billion in tax incentives for businesses to create jobs and invest in equipment or factories.

The overall package of $675 billion to $775 billion is taking shape as Obama arrives in Washington and plans to begin trying to build support in Congress and among the broader public for his approach to stimulating the economy. Although some tax cuts were always expected to be included in Obama's economic package, his team disclosed the scope and some details of the plans Sunday at a time when Republicans have begun voicing criticism of what they describe as an open-checkbook approach to spending.

Perhaps so, says former President George H.W. Bush, who has already seen one son, George W., serve in the Oval Office. The nation's 41st president said on "Fox News Sunday" that he would like to see a second son, Jeb, be president one day.

Jeb Bush is the current president's younger brother and a former governor of Florida. He is considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla.

Asked on Fox about Jeb Bush's consideration of the Senate seat, his father said: "I'd like to see him run. I'd like to see him be president someday."

Asked if he was serious, he said: "Or maybe senator. Whatever. Yes, I would. I mean, right now is probably a bad time, because we've had enough Bushes in there. But no, I would. And I think he's as qualified and able as anyone I know on the political scene. Now, you've got to discount that. He's my son."

The senior Bush will be at the White House on Wednesday for a lunch with the current president, President-elect Barack Obama and former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.