Kaine Says Clinton Will Be |Strong Advocate for Cities

BALTIMORE (CN)— Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine said Thursday that "a profound distance" has grown between law enforcement and communities across America, and that the nation needs to invest more in training to deescalate situations involving police before they become violent.

Kane spoke Thursday morning at the National Urban League's "Save our Cities" conference in Baltimore.

But as sobering as that comment may have been, he also offered a message of hope: Hillary Clinton has pledged to make that investment if she's elected president.

Both the Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns were invited to speak at the conference, but the Virginia senator was the only candidate to appear.

Republican Donald Trump's campaign declined an invitation to speak.

Kaine highlighted issues that spoke directly to the 106th conference's theme of "Save Our Cities: Education, Jobs & Justice," touting his party's platform planks of economic

development, education and criminal justice reform.

Much of Kaine's speech was a continuation of his efforts since Clinton picked him to be her running mate 12 days ago to introduce himself to a nation that considers him a relative unknown.

He spoke of his past work as an attorney focused on fair housing civil rights, the work he accomplished as mayor of Richmond, Va., his term as governor from 2006 to 2010, and as experiences as senator.

He also stressed that cities would have strong partners in Washington if Hillary Clinton wins the White House. At the heart of the Democrats plan for economic development, he said, is investment in small business, which is increasingly in the hands of minorities and women.

The pledge of support for those businesses drew applause from the largely black crowd.

Kaine also said he supported legislation to promote equal pay for equal women.

Kaine said he has always been a champion of pre-K education and that even during the economic downturn in his time as governor, he invested in pre-K education and increased enrollment by 40 percent.

The morning's speakers also included retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The conference will continue through Saturday.

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