Attorney General Andrew Cuomo yesterday repeatedly refused to say whether Caroline Kennedy is fit to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Senate, while a top Clinton political ally insisted she’s clearly not.
Cuomo, who is divorced from Kennedy’s first cousin Kerry Kennedy, ducked questions on whether the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy is qualified for the Senate job.
“I’ve known Caroline for years. I have a high opinion of her, but that’s going to be up to the governor,” said Cuomo, who also is being considered by Gov. Paterson to replace Clinton, but indicated he’s not interested.
A reporter later yelled at Cuomo, “Good duck” – to which Cuomo responded, “Thank you.”
Meanwhile, Robert Zimmerman, a member of the Democratic National Committee and an important Clinton adviser and fund-raiser, questioned Kennedy’s fitness on CNN. He said she hasn’t been endorsed by any prominent elected New York Democrats “because we’re not a state of dynasty.”
Later, he told The Post, “She’s not demonstrated the qualifications or the experience for the position, and I think what’s critical here to focus on for a moment is we have an extraordinary spectrum of candidates who have truly demonstrated how they serve New York state and serve the country.”
Zimmerman’s comments were similar to those of Queens Rep. Gary Ackerman, who compared Kennedy’s Senate credentials to those of Jennifer Lopez.
Meanwhile, former Congresswoman, Brooklyn District Attorney and City Comptroller Elizabeth Holtzman said yesterday she’s told Paterson of her interest in the job.