Caroline Kennedy interested in HRC seat

Posted: Friday, December 05, 2008 1:24 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Congress

From NBC’s Andrea Mitchell

New York State Democratic Party sources tell NBC News that Caroline Kennedy has expressed interest in the New York Senate seat being vacated by Hillary Clinton.

She is known to have discussed the upcoming vacancy with New York Gov. David Paterson, who will be appointing the next senator to serve the remaining two years in Clinton’s term once she becomes Secretary of State.

Appointing Caroline Kennedy to the seat once held by her uncle Robert would be a very popular choice politically for Paterson, who is under pressure to replace Clinton with a woman.

The Kennedy name on the ballot could help Paterson’s 2010 reelection chances. Paterson became governor after Eliot Spitzer was forced to resign during a prostitution scandal.

Caroline Kennedy would also have an advantage in being able to raise money for the very expensive New York Senate contest.

Other contenders -- if Kennedy is not chosen -- include be congress members Kirsten Gillibrand (from an Upstate district) and Carolyn Maloney (NYC), Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi and New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is also a possible contender.

Kennedy's cousin -- Robert Jr., an environmentalist, has taken himself out of contention.

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Comments

So she want to kill Hillary TWICE? It won't happen. She certainly won't get the Clinton blessing after what her and Ted Kennedy did to Hillary during the primary. Don't you have enough of the Kennedy already? An entire family riding on the name of their late brother! What qualifies her over other NY politicians?
Hillary may actually e-consider her nomination if Caroline gets the nod. No joke.

Troy Williams, St Louis MO (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:31 PM)

YES!

David, Waukegan, IL (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:35 PM)

What are this woman's qualifications?

June Bug (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:35 PM)

Sure why not Caroline Kennedy? She seems to have it in her blood. We gottak keep that Kennedy name in US politics. Just think, she's young enough that she could succeed Obama for POTUS. All she has to do is be a great Senator and be very public. Shoo in.

eagle1776 (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:42 PM)

I heard that General Honore is being considered for a position with the new administration. This would be great! Can you find out and broadcast it. General Honore would be a great fit for Obama's new team.

Cynthia Cunningha, CCH, IL (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:44 PM)

I think this is a great idea and would love to see Caroline Kennedy as a senator. She's definitley qualified. She's well educated and I agree with her politics.

Ashley, Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:44 PM)

This would be HUGE for Obama. He's already figured a way to keep Hilliary out town and replace her with a true supporter in the Senate. Ted would bust his buttons! (since she's why he finally came around to support Obama too)

Ron Dick (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:45 PM)

Caroline Kennedy is a lawyer as are most of the senators.

Kathie (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:45 PM)

I like the idea. not too often we get a politician who is smart, an outsider and most importantly an honest candidate that will promote equality to all. "SWEET CAROLINE"

Den (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:45 PM)

Kennedy Schlossberg or Cuomo - either would be terrific for NY and the country. I had no idea Caroline was interested in serving in the congress but feel certain she would bring a lot of heart and dedication to the post. I guess Bill's taken himself out of consideration.

Reno Will (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:46 PM)

Yes! Yes! Yes!! I'm getting giddy all over again. And in 8 years, Madam President Caroline Kennedy.

Stella, Tucson (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:47 PM)

Thats all we need another woman out of the kitchen

Ed Malone (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:47 PM)

she is a kennedy. same as hilary who is what she is because of her last name.

a mckoy duncan, ny, ny (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:47 PM)

I thought Obama was going to give Kennedy an ambassador position because her Uncle had it once. Shouldn't we put someone in the senate who is at least vaguely familiar with NY and has proven they have won the support of their statesman?

sara, NY (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:47 PM)

Why not another Kennedy at least they knew early on that the Clintons' were not worthy of another go around in the white house, proper!

Charles / Atkinson / Ne (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:47 PM)

FYI-Caroline Kennedy is JFK's daughter not his sister.

Lisa, Poughkeepsie, NY (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:48 PM)

she is about as qualified as Sarah Palin.

gepa (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:49 PM)

Are there no new faces, perspectives in America? It is just more of the same o, same o. Nothing changes if the same families keep getting the job. Let's vote for new people and new ideas.

John , Yacolt, WA (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:49 PM)

I have nothing against the women ans she seems intellegent but writing childrens books and being a Kennedy are not enough. She need to earn the seat not inherit it as a perk . We do not inherit titles in this country. Let her run is a fair race like everyone else. The vacated position should go to someone with political experience.

bloger (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:50 PM)

I think it would be a good move for the State to have someone of influence - a strong political family to be named the State Senator. She would be a redeeming face for the state in light of what is coming.

Jean D - St. Petersburg, FL (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:50 PM)

Looks like the answer to Palin for the Dem`s Go for it Caroline.

Mike Denver (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:51 PM)

Caroline Kennedy's qualification to be a United States Senator starts by being raised in a family that has been in the mainstream of US politics. The fact her father was the President of the United States, two of he Uncles were and/or are United States Senators, one Uncle was US Attorney General, shall I go on. You learn a lot growing up in that environment. She would have instant access to people in all levels of government as well as in both major political parties. Sounds like a good choice to me.

Anton Smith (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:51 PM)

Looks like the answer to Palin for the Dem`s Go for it Caroline.

Mike Denver (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:51 PM)

I AGREE WHAT ARE HER QUALIFICATIONS - LAST NAME KENNEDY

LORI BURNSVILLE,MS (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:51 PM)

June Bug:
This woman's qualifications?? Can you say Sarah Palin? How about lifelong indoctrination, education & intelligence? HER children are raised and it's time to put these skills to the test. The above named example couldn't hold a candle to her in ANY area except perhaps the fact she is a Governor of a state the size of a Chicago suburb. Go Caroline! Keep the excitement going!

T - Salt Lake City, UT (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:51 PM)

YES & we will see another Kennedy in our White house!

PAM HELMS MT MORRIS MICH (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:51 PM)

Seriously could they at least consider someone from Upstate NY. Like North and West of Albany. So many people forget there is more to NYS than The City. And Upstaters pay taxes and deserve representation too.

UPstate NYer (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:52 PM)

CK? Sure, why not. We got plenty of other doofuses in the Senate already. How much harm can one more do?

Donald Welsh, Albany NY (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:52 PM)

Rep. Brian Higgins from Buffalo would be an axcellent choice !

Jeff (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:52 PM)

I'm curious didn't America leave Great Britain because they were against a royal family that assumed leadership positions because of their birthright?

Gram St.Louis (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:52 PM)

I think it is a fabulous choice.She is extremely intelligent and caring person. I believe she would be a deal maker for Governor Paterson.

Linda, Altoona, IA (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:52 PM)

Anton Smith, Washington Heights, NYC (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:52 PM)

Qualifications? She's a Kennedy. Nuf said, I quess.

Phil Klepper, Sarasota, FL. (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:52 PM)

In politics, qualification is not required though would be helpful. Network is the key word!

Sandose, HpTown, TX (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:52 PM)

Besides her name what makes her qualified??
She and her uncle ted threw Hillary to the curb. I respected Caroline up until then.
Even though the BO corination was planned for over 4 years by the leaders of the party I think her and teddy are quite disrespectful.

Lou NY, NY (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:53 PM)

What do you know? Sad thing is that her Uncle is terminally ill and that MA will probably be having a special election to replace him. Why not run in MA?

This would be an selection much like the VP choice of Sarah Palin was for McCain. Sarah basically got it because of her gender. Caroline Kennedy has no practicle campaign or political experiance and she has some rather sharp attitudes that would make her a rather extreme choice.

It would be nice to see MA has three Seantors again but I don't think so. She would have to contest the seat in 2 years against Rudy unless he runs for Gov. or maybe even Bloomberg. I think Rudy would sink her.

On well!

Jimmy McJimmy (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:53 PM)

Dad Gummit! I juss'n put my left boot on ma right foot and the other way around. Well anyway, that Caroline Kennedy is a smart gal, yesser ee bob she surely is an I don't mind say'n I'd surely vote fer her. Heck she's a whole sight better n' that dummy Sarah whatsername.

Gabbyfuzzy Hayesknight (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:54 PM)

Qualifications? When has that mattered this year?

Sc in VA (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:54 PM)

Funny how the Democrats rammed "Change" down our throat for 2 years running. And now, we get everything but "Change".

Charles Nepotism (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:54 PM)

Excuse me, she would be riding on the coattails of her father...and after giving up her father and uncle for this country how dare you slam her. She is not an idiot after all. She is an attorney and graduate of Harvard and Columbia Law. She has been active in the political arena, so what's the problem?

I believe she has as much if not more experience than Hillary did when she was elected to the senate. Yeah, Hilary spent years in the White House, but so did Caroline, not to mention her entire life around politics. So what's your real beef with her?

Angel Elam, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:54 PM)

As you can tell by Washington these days, you don't need to be qualified. Just be able to talk double talk and you are in.

Dave, Fairbanks, Alaska (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:54 PM)

She has the same qualifications that any first time candidate would have. Get over it.

J, Skowhegan, ME (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:54 PM)

Just what we need, another liberal Kennedy in the senate. What really amazes me is that her uncle, Ted, ever got re-elected so many times. This guy has an alcohol problem and has had for years and he is responsible for the death of a young women and should have gone to jail for manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident. He broke the law and here he is after all these years enacting laws. That's irony.

Joyce Phoenix, AZ (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:55 PM)

Lets see the media give her the Palin treatment and see if she survives!!

S (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:55 PM)

Integrity- remember that word?

Donna York, PA (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:55 PM)

I think she were would be a great. She would be better Hillary, who has interest in our country but her interest. Carolina has experience through her family .

columbus ohio (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:56 PM)

Just what we need, another Kennedy. About as bad as another Bush. Oh well. ONLY IN AMERICA

George King (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:56 PM)

Her qualifications? Why, she's Princess Caroline, of course. That's all she should need.

Ols School, Tampa, FL (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:57 PM)

What not have Michael Moore move to NY, let him get an apartment to establish residence, and appoint him to the seat? That guy has been wailing about things for years, lets finally see what he's got.

Either that or see if Franken wants to do the same thing.

GB Ellis (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:57 PM)

Another tragedy!!!

Laura, Wayne, NJ (Sent Friday, December 05, 2008 1:57 PM)

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