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Tuesday, December 16, 2008
U.S. Sen. Caroline Kennedy?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, whose family came close to being anointed American Royalty, has conveyed to New York Gov. David A. Patterson that she is, indeed, interested in being appointed to the U.S. Senate when Hillary resigns to become Secretary of State.
Caroline Kennedy, a 51-year-old New York lawyer, surfaced nationally as a supporter of Barack Obama, and not Hillary, during the primaries. Her appointment would is therefore likely to draw opposition from the Hillary network.
Kennedy called Patterson Monday morning to declare her interest. “She told me she was interested in the position,” said Patterson. “She’d like at some point to sit down and tell me what she thinks her qualifications are.”
U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Queens), who undoubtedly seeks the seat, too, said in a radio interview Monday that “I don’t know what Caroline Kennedy’s qualifications are, except that she has name recognition, but so does J. Lo.”
The question of the day here is one being debated in New York in connection with the possible Kennedy appointment: What’s a political name worth? And how long does it have value?
For a period of about 30 years, the Talmadge name was golden in Georgia. Within the past couple of years I had suggested that the only two names that mattered anymore, as far as endorsements are concerned, are Zell Miller and Sam Nunn.
The reality is, however, that newcomers flood into this state — U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss started his campaign with commercials introducing himself to the million Georgians who’d come to Georgia since he ran six years ago. And the generations that remember and adore a Sam Nunn pass on. To those under the age of 40, he’s likely not to register at all.
Other than political family name and the liberal fondness for the fading U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, there seems to be no real reason to appoint Caroline Kennedy.
As for me, I’m real ready to move on and out of the 60s. No nostalgia pick for me for the U.S. Senate.
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