Where Caroline stands
One of the criticisms about Caroline Kennedy's bid for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat has been that she doesn't have a record of votes or public statements on a number of issues for people to examine.
Well, that changed a bit over the weekend. In a weird arrangement, Kennedy's staff answered written questions from Politico and NYT. Her -- or their -- answers were relatively short -- and we've boiled them down even more.
These aren't all the questions and answers. Wording is paraphrased except where quoted.
Same-sex marriage
In favor of "full equality and marriage rights" for gays and lesbians. [Politico]
David Paterson's proposed 2009 state budget
Believes the budget "appropriately includes both revenue increases and budget cuts while still protecting the most vulnerable." [Politico]
Higher taxes in the state to help cover the budget gap
Punt. [NYT]
Going to war with Iraq
Says she opposed it from the beginning. [Politico]
Charter schools and vouchers
Supports charter schools and support teachers at charters being able to unionize. [Politico] Not in favor of vouchers. [NYT]
Using TARP funds for the auto bailout
In favor of it. [Politico]
Israel
Says she "strongly supports a safe and secure Israel." [Politico] Also, "an undivided Jerusalem must be the national capital of the State of Israel." And supports a two-state solution "so long as there is a true partner for peace in the Palestinians, and so long as Israel's security is assured" [NYT]
Local property tax cap in New York State
Punt. [NYT]
NAFTA
Says "Nafta has had unintended, negative consequences in some regions of New York." [NYT]
Parental-notification requirement for minors seeking an abortion
Against a requirement. [NYT]
Indian Point nuclear power plant
Supports efforts to close it. [NYT]
Earlier on AOA:
+ Sweet Senator Caroline?
+ Top Senator
photo: Flickr user David Berkowitz
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Comments
Each time you write an article about Caroline Kennedy, your Google ad server presents me a banner for Caroline Ringtones. A very different, not quite senatorial Caroline, let me tell you. Here is my question: how do I meet this other Caroline? Thank you.
... said -S on Dec 22, 2008 at 2:05 PM | link
Caroline Kennedy has nice middle-of-the-road liberal views (I say that as a liberal), but her credentials and political experience are not enough to qualify her for any high office. Maybe local school board. Since she's announced her bid for the Senate seat, I've seen no real juice out of the woman. This bid for Senate looks like Uncle Teddy's work.
... said chrisck on Dec 22, 2008 at 3:30 PM | link
Okay, I have not made a decision of who I support for Hillary's spot, but let's look at these credentials and experience:
Kennedy is a member of the New York and Washington, D.C. bar associations. She is also a member of the boards of directors of the Commission on Presidential Debates and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Kennedy is currently president of the Kennedy Library Foundation.[13] She is also an adviser to the Harvard Institute of Politics, a living memorial to her father. (Having seen this at Harvard, I gotta say, it's impressive what she's done with the place.)
From 2002 through 2004 Kennedy worked as director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the the New York City Department of Education. The three-day-a week job paid her a salary of $1 and had the goal of raising private money for the New York City public schools.[15] In her capacity, she helped raise more than $65 million for the city’s public schools.
On June 4, 2008, Obama named Caroline Kennedy, along with Jim Johnson and Eric Holder, to co-chair his Vice Presidential Search Committee. So she helped pick Biden, who I think is a pretty good choice.
Look at Hillary's experience pre-senate bid. She was an extremely intelligent woman, who had legal experience and who was perhaps the most controversal first lady in this century. Lets not forget: Clinton's health care for everyone failed when she was First Lady. And as NYers, we voted her into office when she had a failing record. Now many of us wanted her to be the President -elect.
All I'm saying is instead of ridiculing Kennedy's qualifications, let's look at what she wants to do if she gets the position. We did the same for Hillary.
... said Ellie on Dec 22, 2008 at 4:08 PM | link
These all seem impressive until you look more closely. All of these positions were given to her by virtue of her last name. She has a law degree but I don't believe she's ever worked as one. Her position at the NY Dept of Education was created for her especially to raise funds from private sources for the public school system, from people who are more than willing to lend her an ear bec of her name. All the other positions have something to do with her father's legacy. So, clearly, she's never had to compete for something. Does her fund raising ability mean she'll be able to bring the money here to NY? Hardly, bec then, she'll be competing with senators from 49 other states for a piece of the pie.
BTW, one of her loudest supporters for the senate position is none other than Joel Klein, who appointed her to the NY Dept of Educ position a few years ago.
The only times I've seen or heard her are on the award ceremony for the Kennedy award (can't remember what it's called) and she's not much of a public speaker either. Quite boring, actually.
... said jb on Dec 22, 2008 at 7:39 PM | link
When Caroline finally decided to meet with politicians who's last name wasn't Kennedy in order to move her career along, where was her first stop? Al Sharpton.
Nice. He represents the views of most New Yorkers, right? A good upstate influence as well.
... said Erik on Dec 22, 2008 at 7:50 PM | link
She has never had a real job. She has never really done anything except volunteer work. I'm sorry but the Kennedy name is not going to impress me. We need a real senator.
... said Pam on Dec 23, 2008 at 8:26 AM | link