All eyes are turning to Washington for the inauguration of Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th president. Could there be a more propitious time for Gov. Paterson to name Caroline Kennedy to the US Senate?
For surely Kennedy, personally and politically, is best situated to speak to the new president on behalf of a fiscally beleaguered Empire State.
Moreover, as the daughter of legendary president John Kennedy and the niece of former New York Sen. Robert Kennedy and longtime “Lion of the Senate” Ted Kennedy, she’d command considerable clout from the get-go.
But let’s consider her ties to Obama – who soon will be directing the carve-up of a stimulus pie that may well approach a trillion dollars.
Does Kennedy truly have Obama’s ear? Well, her endorsement – and that of other Kennedy family members – marked a turning point in his campaign.
The new prez may well appreciate having such a strong ally in Congress’ upper chamber. Indeed, her appointment might even prompt him to reciprocate, treating New York – and perhaps a governor seeking re-election next year – kindly.
Beyond all that, Kennedy – a longtime city resident – has devoted significant time and energy on behalf of the public good in New York.
And she’s made key contributions.
At the top of the list: her work with Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein in reforming city schools.
As head of Klein’s Office of Strategic Planning and vice chairman of the Fund for Public Schools, Kennedy has raised more than $65 million in private-sector donations for city schools.
She’s also a board member of New Visions for Public Schools, a reform-minded institution long dedicated to improving public education in New York.
Kennedy would bring to the Senate seat stature and clout – and unwavering devotion to the well-being of her city, state and country.
Paterson would be wise to seal the deal quickly and name her as New York’s next US senator.