July 23, 2016
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania is still no fan of Hillary Clinton, but he does like her running mate.
Toomey, a Republican running for re-election against Democratic candidate Katie McGinty, praised Clinton's choice of Sen. Tim Kaine in a statement Friday.
“While Hillary Clinton would be a disaster as president, I have high regard and respect for Tim Kaine," Toomey said. "He is a good choice for the Democratic ticket.”
Toomey's campaign said that the two have worked together in the past on issues like opioid addiction, and also noted that Kaine once lauded Toomey for his "seriousness" and "intellect" in the Senate.
The presidential election has proven to be a pickle for Toomey and his bid to retain his job.
Republican nominee Donald Trump's controversial rhetoric and vague policy proposals have given McGinty plenty of campaign fodder.
Toomey has avoided endorsing Trump and skirted around questions regarding the party's pick for president, although he has said good things about Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
Toomey was a no-show at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, instead opting to campaign in Pennsylvania.
The race between Toomey and McGinty has been neck-and-neck, according to recent polls.
McGinty said in a tweet Friday after Clinton announced Kaine as her vice presidential pick that she was looking forward to working with the two, alluding to her hope for a victory in November.
I look forward to working with Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine to build a stronger, brighter future for all Americans. -KM#ClintonKaine2016
— Katie McGinty (@KatieMcGintyPA) July 23, 2016
Some Democrats have said that Kaine, considered a moderate, may not have been the right choice to unify the party, particularly concerning supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders.
The party will officially nominate Clinton and Kaine as their ticket at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. The convention runs from July 25 to 28.
