Washington (AP) - The Democratic National Committee has elected Tim Kaine as the party's new chairman.
 
The vote was a formality and the outcome was expected.
 
President Barack Obama chose the Virginia governor for the post earlier this month. Kaine is a longtime ally who endorsed Obama for president in early 2007.
 
Kaine will serve as chairman on a part-time basis until his governor's term is up. He was elected to a four-year term in 2005.
 
The DNC post also is a four-year term.