Even some of Virginia's top Republicans say Gov. Timothy M. Kaine could help Democrat Barack Obama carry the state for president.

But U.S. Sen. John W. Warner and U.S. Rep. Tom Davis say Obama is better off with a vice-presidential running mate with experience in defense and diplomacy.

Warner and Davis, both of whom are retiring from Congress, talked with reporters this afternoon in a Republican-orchestrated conference call ahead of Obama's two-day tour of Virginia.

Obama is readying to announce his pick for VP, and Kaine is said to be on the short list. Virginia, with 13 electoral votes, usually tilts Republican for president. But both parties say this year the state is in play.

"He's been quite an effective governor in many areas," Warner said of Kaine, adding that the two have worked closely on transportation.

But Warner, a former Navy secretary and Senate Armed Services Committee chairman, added, "It's hard to see how he'd bring strength to the ticket in the national security area."

Davis, who represents part of Northern Virginia, described Kaine as a "very able governor." He continued, "Having a governor on the ticket from Virginia would be of some help."

However, Davis suggested, Kaine would have to answer nationally for the state's battered finances.

Because of the economic downturn, the budget shortfall could, lawmakers in both parties say, balloon another $1 billion to $1.5 billion. There already have been $2 billion in cuts, and Kaine is warning of more -- perhaps in areas previously spared, such as education and health.

-- Jeff E. Schapiro