Sweet Senator Caroline?
Caroline Kennedy earlier this year with Barack Obama, to whom she was an advisor
The big buzz right now is that Caroline Kennedy could be in line to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate.
David Paterson says the daughter of JFK has talked to him about the seat, but he called the conversation "informational" and said Kennedy didn't outright express an interest in the job -- though he did indicate she's "thinking about it." (He also used the situation for some humor at a dinner this past weekend.)
It looks like there are reasons to think she won't end up with the job, though. A "source" tells the NYDN that it's not so much Caroline's own desire pushing her for the seat so much it is her family's. And a (presumably different) "source" tells NYP that Paterson is leaning against Kennedy, in part because he's not sure she's capable of being obnoxious enough to represent New York.
Barack Obama was even pulled into the conversation this weekend. Asked about the soon-to-be open seat, Obama said on Meet The Press: "[T]he last thing I want to do is get involved in New York politics." Can't blame him for that.
By the way, that NYP story also featured a second mention that Chuck Schumer is pushing for Kirsten Gillibrand to get the seat. RFK Jr has also said Gillibrand would be a good choice (you know, if his cousin doesn't want the job).
One more thing: Neil Diamond said last year that a photo of Caroline Kennedy was the inspiration for his song "Sweet Caroline"
photo: Flickr user diggersf
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Comments
I like Carolyn Kennedy personally, but not for Senator. Paterson is 100% right. She's about as intimidating as box of girl scout cookies. I can't really picture her fighting for anything except maybe "raising the standard of politeness for all, and teaching manners to all Americans".
... said Pantaloons on Dec 8, 2008 at 12:01 PM | link
Seriously, when will the love affair with the Kennedy family end? This is just plain ridiculousness. How about a senator with qualifications outside of her daddy. Maybe even someone who has roots in NY? I think Gillibrand is a good choice. Only issue with her is that she narrowly won in her congressional district. Would that force a run-off or would that be another appointed position? Because that would mean a long, uphill battle for the Democrat that would take that position.
... said Erik on Dec 8, 2008 at 12:22 PM | link
I'm with you on that Erik. I'm tired of all these people who are so enthralled with the Kennedy last name. Paterson has said he wants someone from upstate. I don't think Caroline Kennedy has even stepped north of the island of Manhattan.
... said jb on Dec 8, 2008 at 2:22 PM | link
I'm not so sure an "appointee" to the senate should be someone who has no political experience except being from a political family. She should try running for something first. Just being a Kennedy doesn't mean you get a free pass into office.
... said pam on Dec 8, 2008 at 5:47 PM | link
@Erik. I live in Ms Gillibrand's district and there was nothing "narrow" about her victory. She beat a multi-millionaire, willing to spend anything to get the job, by a 62 - 38 margin. And that is in a heavily Republican district.
That said, I don't want her to get the appointment...but only because it would put the district back in Republican hands, and we've suffered enough with Sweeney and Solomon.
... said bb on Dec 9, 2008 at 8:56 AM | link
I stand corrected. Was the the primary tight?
... said Erik on Dec 10, 2008 at 12:16 PM | link