US News

Caroline Kennedy in the running to be ambassador to Canada

WASHINGTON — Sweet Caroline could be headed to the land of maple syrup.

Caroline Kennedy’s bid to be appointed to the US Senate fizzled, but now she’s being floated as President Obama’s next pick to become ambassador to Canada.

Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, is the most glamorous name out of several that have have surfaced in the Canadian press buzzing over the appointment over the last few weeks.

“She would have star power. People would like that, of course,” one Canadian government source told The Post yesterday.

Kennedy threw her support to Obama with dramatic flair early in the 2008 primary campaign, appearing on stage with him in DC along with her uncle. She also became a top fund-raiser for him.

The National Post of Canada reported Kennedy is in the running for the prestigious ambassadorship, citing sources who monitor the US-Canada relationship. Three other women politicians hhave generated buzz up North: former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire and former Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine).

Obama has kept up the tradition of sending big contributors to plum diplomatic posts, although the Ottawa posting usually goes to governors or other political pros. The current US ambassador to Canada, David Jacobson, is well liked in Canada.

Although the US-Canada alliance is strong, there are tension points that will require diplomatic finesse, including the Keystone oil pipeline.