Obama birth control mandate puts Kaine in corner

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- An Obama administration mandate that could force Catholic organizations to cover their employees' birth control costs tugs former Gov. Tim Kaine between his Roman Catholic faith and his Democratic White House ally.

Kaine, Virginia's first Catholic governor and now running for a U.S. Senate seat, says the administration's new rule is too broad and has to include exemptions for schools and hospitals run by religions that oppose birth control.

In an Associated Press interview, the former Democratic National Committee chairman applauds a broad mandate that insurance policies cover contraception for employees.

But Kaine said the White House has to reach a compromise with Catholic bishops and others angered by the directive that forces them to violate their teachings or violate the law.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)