GOP says Kaine fumbled Apple plant

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Three Virginia Republicans say Gov. Tim Kaine's inattention to a tax issue cost Virginia a shot at an Apple computer data center that North Carolina landed.

The delegates scolded Kaine on Wednesday for not taking steps to fix a flawed amendment that could have exempted Apple from sales taxes on equipment needed for its $1 billion expansion.

Apple considered sites in Southside Virginia, a region hit hard by unemployment.

The Republicans said Kaine was too distracted by partisan duties.

It's the latest in a series of Republican attacks on Kaine's dual roles as governor and Democratic National Committee chairman.

Kaine spokeswoman Lynda Tran noted that Virginia recently secured the Hilton headquarters and ranks among the best states for business.