Kennedy's Senate Push Irks NY Democrats

'Forceful but elusive' candidate says recession has hurt her

(NEWSER) - Caroline Kennedy continued her media blitz today, asserting in a sit-down interview with the New York Times that she is the best candidate for the Senate and that she could use her celebrity to draw attention to state issues. She remained vague, however, on many specifics, including her personal finances. When asked to describe the moment she decided to seek the seat, she zinged, “Have you guys ever thought about writing for, like, a woman’s magazine or something? I thought you were the crack political team.” More»

Kennedy ally slams scrutiny, says process 'out of control'

(NEWSER) - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is pushing Gov. David Paterson to speed up his Senate appointment, the Daily News reports. “The governor should make a decision reasonably quickly because this is just getting out of control,” said the ally of Caroline Kennedy. “Everybody’s focusing on the wrong things.” Paterson says he plans to wait until Hillary Clinton is confirmed as secretary of State. More»

(NEWSER) - David Paterson named Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand as Hillary Clinton’s replacement today, vaulting the little-known Democrat onto the national stage and into a post once thought reserved for Caroline Kennedy, the Times Union reports. “I believe I have found the best candidate,” said Paterson, insisting that the Albany-area congresswoman's gender and geography—she’ll be the first senator from upstate New York in 38 years—played no role in the choice. More»

Gov. Paterson taps upstate centrist to take Clinton's seat

(NEWSER) - Albany-area Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand will be Hillary Clinton's replacement in the Senate, reports the New York Times. An aide to the Democrat confirmed that she has accepted the appointment and Gov. David Paterson is expected to make the announcement at noon today. Paterson made his choice before dawn after lengthy talks, a source told the Times. More»

The leaks continue o

(NEWSER) - So what’s the real reason behind Caroline Kennedy’s withdrawal? Depends on whom you ask. An aide to New York Gov. David Paterson says she had a tax problem and a possible nanny issue that emerged in vetting, the Times reports. But a Kennedy pal says she dropped because her husband “is controlling” and thought she’d wreck their marriage by moving to DC, the Daily News adds. More»