Clinton picks Kaine as running mate

US Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has picked Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as her running mate for the race to the White House against his Republican rival, Donald Trump.

Kaine, a finalist to be Barack Obama’s running mate in 2008, is expected to help Clinton present a steady alternative to the unpredictable campaign of the Republican billionaire businessman.

The 58-year-old senator served as Governor of Virginia before his time in the Senate.

Clinton – who will be formally nominated as presidential candidate at the upcoming Democratic convention – announced her running mate on social media.

I'm thrilled to announce my running mate, TimKaine, a man who's devoted his life to fighting for others. -H pic.twitter.com/lTVyfztE5Z

— Hillary Clinton (HillaryClinton) July 23, 2016

Kaine was widely tipped to secure the VP position ahead of Massachusetts Senator, Elizabeth Warren and Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack was said to have made the shortlist.

“I’m a very strong supporter of Secretary Clinton and I live in a state that I think is going to be one of the three or four most critical states in the presidential election,” Kaine said.

A self-described “boring” Virginian, Kaine could appeal to independents and moderates – but liberals are dismayed that he’s been picked.

He speaks fluent Spanish and could help the Clinton campaign maintain its support among Hispanic Americans which is a growing voting bloc.

Clinton has been leading Trump in many opinion polls, but there’s still more than three months to go until the much talked about election.