The Virginia-Pilot has a good article about one of the key features of this year's gubernatorial election and last year's presidential election. Both campaigns are working over time to label their opponent and fit each other into some sort of ideological box. The Bush campaign [Rove] mastered this skill in 2004, by placing Kerry in the "New England liberal" box. Although, granted, Kerry's record did little to refute that label.
On the other hand, Kaine's record does indicate he is liberal on some issues, but not across the board as the Kilgore campaign would lead voters to believe. He is against partial birth abortion, but for tax relief, fighting for small businesses, and tough on crime - all conservative positions.