Results tagged “kennedydynasty”

       

Senator Edward Kennedy, scion of the one of America's most famous political families, passed away at home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts late last night. He was 77. His family said, "We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever... He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him." (Full statement from the family after the jump.)

Caroline Kennedy, currently angling for Hillary Clinton's soon-to-be vacated Senate seat, has answered questions from Politico, the New York Times and the Buffalo News about her political views. Kennedy expressed her support for gay marriage, the Roe Vs. Wade ruling ("which prohibits third-trimester abortions except when the life or health of the mother is at risk") and allowing undocumented workers to legalize their status in the U.S. She also voiced opposition to the Iraq War (and support of President-elect Obama's plans to withdraw from the region) and noted that Nafta "had unintended, negative consequences in some regions of New York."

Know what NY tabloids love even more than a Kennedy being interested in the Senate seat being vacated by Hillary Clinton? That Kennedy's voting records! Both the Daily News and NY Post review her voting records and find a spotty showing. Baruch College's Douglas Muzzio sums it up, "It doesn't speak to a deep-felt commitment to the electoral process."

Governor David Paterson confirmed that Caroline Kennedy called him to discuss Hillary Clinton's soon-to-be vacated Senate seat. He said, "She told me she was interested in the position... She’d like at some point to sit down and tell me what she thinks her qualifications are.” While Paterson has said he will not decide on an appointee until next year, one Democratic source tells the Daily News, "She is in. I don't see how he [Paterson] says no. He has to do it."

A Marist poll finds New York Democrats prefer Caroline Kennedy over NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate, 31% to Cuomo's 21%. However, among all respondents, Kennedy and Cuomo each get 25%—and 26% aren't even sure who they would want! After that, less familiar (dare we say less dynastic) names like Byron Brown, Kirsten Gillibrand, Nydia Velazquez and Tom Suozzi are in the single digit percentages.

Turning rumor into fact, Caroline Kennedy is "very interested" in replacing Hillary Clinton in the Senate. Governor David Paterson confirmed that Kennedy called him to discuss the position and her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told the NY Times, "I believe that she is considering it. A lot of people the last couple of weeks have urged her to do it."