First, I think that he gains in part by comparison to the bickering and petty crap in the legislature.  For 10 months of the year, he's the one who is having things thrown at him; for two months of the year, the legislature makes the headlines, and they haven't been pretty.

Second, the general pro-Democratic upswell is helping.  I doubt that there are 7% of the people who were not already politically savvy who woke up and said, "Damn.  That Tim Kaine sure is a hell of a guy for supporting my man Barack Obama."

Good to see Gov Kaine's numbers get the boost.

I would also like to know the "approval rating" of the VA Gen Assembly and the Speaker. I cannot recall a time when the "great divide" in Richmond has been more bitter and ripe with procedural retribution. Examples: changes in rules, key Democrat re-assignments to different committees, splitting of Senate budget committee proposals..etc. My guess is this may score "points" for the loyal R's, but it spells "gridlock" and "do nothing" to the general public.  

It's February, we rolled past Valentine's Day, and who doesn't heart Timothy Michael Kaine? ;)  I actually have no idea why they moved that much, none of the speculation in the prior to compliments seem to actually have that much to do with how normal people who don't read blogs think or feel.  All I know is he's gotten some generally positive press so far, and the most widely read and broadcasted press had a lot to do with Barack Obama, who Virginia Democratic primary voters turned out in huge numbers to support.

I would guess that has more to do with it than any of the small, relatively unknown stories that have seeped out of session.

None of the speculation in the prior two comments.  I feel like I think in syllables more than I think in words sometimes.  Geez, sorry.  I note that Lowell also put forward the Obama-Kaine speculative link as well, so I'm in good company. :)

...a 50th birthday present for governor kaine?