Sources: Paterson Not So Keen on Caroline

Governor thinks NY needs a more assertive voice in the Senate

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 8, 2008 10:24 AM CST

(Newser) – David Paterson likes and respects Caroline Kennedy, but the New York governor isn't so sure she's cut out to be Hillary Clinton's replacement. Giving Kennedy 20-1 odds, an anonymous insider tells Fredric U. Dicker of the New York Post that Paterson wants his state to have a louder voice in Washington than the "quiet and non-assertive" Kennedy could provide.

"It looks to me like Bobby Kennedy may be trying to push Caroline more than Caroline is pushing herself," the source said of the Kennedy cousin, who is himself at the center of speculation about the top EPA job. The rumored short list for the Senate seat includes AG Andrew Cuomo and US Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Kirsten Gillibrand. An outside possibility is Time Warner chairman Richard Parsons.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., right, talks with New York Gov. David Paterson, left, and New York City Council President Christine Quinn, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New York Gov. David Paterson, right, isn't convinced that Caroline Kennedy has the agressiveness necessary to go to bat for New York in the Senate, according to insiders. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)

The governor, left, with his state's two senators. Once Hillary Clinton leaves, Paterson has the authority to appoint a replacement. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

Caroline Kennedy waves as she introduces her uncle, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Monday, Aug. 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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The bottom-line question is: Can Caroline Kennedy be the tough, hard, calculating, aggressive, articulate and, yes, obnoxious type of senator New York needs and expects? - A source close to New York Governor David Paterson

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Shannonals

Dec 9, 2008 9:44 PM CST

Is he is qualified,let her take the posting, if not than another individual needs to make a strong position for the seat.

Guest

Dec 9, 2008 3:09 AM CST

You just KNOW that Hillary is less than enthused by the possibility of Caroline getting the nod for her seat. I can't help but believe she feels jilted by her outspoken support for Barack Obama in the early stages of the Primaries... I could be wrong...but it's my hunch...

bacimom

Dec 7, 2008 10:56 PM CST

How about Sam Waterston?

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Hillary Clinton • Richard Parsons • Andrew Cuomo • Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg • senator • David Paterson • New York state • Carolyn Maloney • Kirsten Gillibrand

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Sources: Paterson Not So Keen on Caroline