Another Kennedy For Senate ?

Now that President Obama's cabinet is taking shape, some interesting decisions will have to be made in the new year. Some of the positions vacated by incoming cabinet members will be filled automatically, like New Mexico's Lt. Governor taking over for Governor Bill Richardson who will be the new Secretary of Commerce. Other vacancies will require an appointment.

One of the most important of those appointments will be to fill the senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton when she resigns to become Secretary of State. There was early speculation that Governor David Paterson might select himself to fill the position, but he has made it clear that won't happen.

That left New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, son of former Governor Mario Cuomo, as the leading candidate. Personally, I think Cuomo would probably be a good senator, if chosen. But now there is another even more famous name being bandied about.

Sources are now saying that Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John Kennedy, is interested in the senate seat that was once occupied by her uncle Robert. Until recently, she had not involved herself in partisan politics too much. But that changed around the first of this year, when she publically came out in support of Barack Obama for the presidency.

She campaigned tirelessly for him, and even helped to vet his candidates for the vice-presidency. Perhaps this recent political activity has given her the desire to carry on the family tradition of political service, and also be of service to help Obama accomplish his goals. I certainly hope so. She is an intelligent person, who doesn't take herself too seriously, and I think her desire to serve her country is stronger than her desire for personal glory.

I think Caroline Kennedy would make a great senator. If she truly wants the job, I urge Governor Paterson to make it happen.