Rochester: We should support Caroline Kennedy

[bottomtheweaver]

POLITICS: We should support Caroline Kennedy, by MICHAEL J. MILLER, January 6, 2009

Miller is a former chair of the Monroe County Democratic Committee.

(snip)

One of the objections to Caroline Kennedy's candidacy for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat is her lack of experience in government. She certainly is not part of the "good old boys" political network. This, however, will enable her to take a fresh look at issues and not be burdened by the baggage a long-time politician would bring to the office.

If experience is such a necessity, remember that Vice President Richard Cheney and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld brought more than a half century of Washington experience to their respective offices prior to leading our nation to the brink of disaster.

Further, let's be pragmatic. Caroline Kennedy was one of the only public figures from New York who endorsed the candidacy of President-elect Obama early in the primary season. Therefore, she will have much more access to and influence on the new administration and the White House than any other possible junior senator from New York. In addition, Harry Reid, the majority leader of the Senate, the person who makes the critical committee appointments, has publicly expressed his support and delight over the possibility of Caroline Kennedy serving in the Senate.

Many from our region have expressed concern about her lack of familiarity with Upstate New York. The same was said about Senator Clinton when she announced her candidacy for United States senator. Her response was to spend much of her time in this area of the state. She became schooled in the unique and challenging problems of Upstate and was a fervent and effective advocate for us, respected by Democrats and Republicans alike. I am confident that Caroline Kennedy will follow the same path, and that we will be seeing the same excellent results.

Her intellect is unquestioned. A graduate of Harvard University and of Columbia Law School, she has co-authored two books on constitutional law, both of which received high praise. I hope my fellow Democrats will join me in urging her appointment to the United States Senate and then supporting her in the 2010 election.

http://rochestercitynewspaper.com/news/letters/2009/01/POLITICS-We-should-support-Caroline/

[dionysus]

1. we rule here in rochester

:)

[bottomtheweaver]

4. You certainly do!

Glad somebody has some sense in your state! :hi:

[rpannier]

2. Is she still continuing her support for mayor bloomberg or will she finally

support a Democrat for Mayor of NYC?

[robcon]

3. Execrable article

"Caroline Kennedy was one of the only public figures from New York who endorsed the candidacy of President-elect Obama early in the primary season. Therefore, she will have much more access to and influence on the new administration and the White House than any other possible junior senator from New York. "

So, a "public figure" (says who?) like Caroline Kennedy endorses Obama early. And she will 'influence' the Obama administration? Is that tit for tat? 'Pay' for play? And that's supposed to be a positive reason to support her appointment?

She's a lightweight, IMO. A Sanjay Gupta-like appointment, IMO. A joke that apparently will become a Senator.