Story highlights Democratic Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine is considered to be on the shortlist to be Hillary Clinton's running mate

Reporters have recently taken at look at the gifts that Kaine received during his time in the governor's mansion

(CNN) Sen. Tim Kaine seems to pop up on every shortlist of potential running mates for Hillary Clinton, but with the increased attention comes increased scrutiny into the Democratic Virginian's record.

Kaine is known as moderate, drama-free politician. But beyond his style, which the senator himself described as "boring," are questions about the impact he could have on the Democratic ticket. These questions have had little impact on Kaine's political career to this point, but they demonstrate the nit-picky process of picking the person who might end up a heartbeat away from the Oval Office.

In the wake of the Supreme Court decision to vacate the federal corruption conviction of Kaine's successor, former Gov. Bob McDonnell, reporters have taken a fresh look at the gifts that Kaine received during his time in the governor's mansion.

McDonnell was convicted of using his influence as governor to help the business prospects of his friend Jonnie Williams. Williams was attempting to advance a dietary supplement created from tobacco. In 2014, Virginians were captivated as the salacious details of McDonnnell and his wife Maureen's relationship with the businessman were parsed out during a month-long trial in federal court.

McDonnell received nearly $150,000 dollars in gifts and loans from Williams, including ball gowns, a Rolex watch and the use of Williams's vacation home. He was convicted on corruption charges, but the Supreme Court ruled that the instructions given to the jury were too broad and vacated the ruling. McDonnell could be tried again for the same crime.

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