WASHINGTON - VIRGINIA Governor Tim Kaine is set to become the next chairman of the Democratic Party.

Two Democratic officials said on Sunday that President-elect Barack Obama has chosen the governor to take over the Democratic National Committee.

The officials spoke to The Associated Press on a condition of anonymity because the decision had not yet been officially announced.

Mr Kaine plans to work at the party part-time until 2010, when his term as governor is up and he can take over the DNC full-time.

Current DNC chairman Howard Dean plans to step down Jan 21, the day after Mr Obama's inauguration.

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

With Democrats controlling the White House and Congress, the new DNC chairman will be responsible for reinforcing the White House message, preparing for the 2010 midterm elections and raising money.

The Republican National Committee is meeting this week, in part to discuss who will take over for departing chairman Mike Duncan.

The new RNC head will be expected to take the lead in responding to the Democratic administration as well as rebuilding a party left in tatters after sweeping defeats in two straight elections. -- AP