Jan 3, 2009 7:30 am US/Eastern
Senator Kennedy? Sources Close To Gov. Believe So
People Close To Paterson Say Princess Of Camelot Will Be Picked Despite Less Than Stellar Performance Of Late
Gov.: Whoever Is Picked Will Have To Earn Re-Election
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Caroline Kennedy (file)
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
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New York Gov. David Paterson says the search is ongoing, but two people close to him tell The Associated Press they believe Caroline Kennedy will be appointed to replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate.
Following continuing criticism of Kennedy, Paterson on Thursday threw down the gauntlet. Though Kennedy appears to be the front-runner to replace Clinton, Paterson said the next junior Senator from New York will have to win re-election on his or her own.
Neither aides for the governor nor Kennedy have commented on Friday.
It was the annual New Year's open house in Albany on Thursday. Paterson and his wife, Michelle, greeted constituents. The governor was asked about his New Year's resolution.
"To try not to talk about the Senate until I make the appointment," Paterson said.
Unfortunately, just about all the questions Gov. Paterson was asked Thursday had to do with Kennedy and her desire to replace Clinton.
Kennedy's less than stellar public performance appeared to be on his mind because he cautioned that just because he selects someone it doesn't mean they will win the election outright.
"The public does not regard my selection as an incumbent. The public regards this as a place holder for two years and then will make their own choice," Paterson said. "And that takes the pressure off me."
The good news for Kennedy is that, as Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver told CBS 2 HD exclusively on Wednesday, he's changed his mind and is now willing to support her. Silver had been the biggest thorn in Kennedy's side, constantly criticizing her credentials for the Senate position. But now, he's singing a different tune.
"She's obviously very bright and has been around politics her whole life," Silver said.
Sources told CBS 2 HD that Silver's support came after arm twisting by Paterson's staff.
Meanwhile, Kennedy seems to be taking the governor's remarks to heart.
"Caroline knows that whoever Gov. Paterson selects will have to prove himself or herself to voters all across the state. If Caroline is chosen she is committed to working tirelessly to deliver for all New Yorkers," the Kennedy camp said in a statement.
Whoever is chosen will be 99th out of 100 in seniority.
Paterson insisted again Thursday he will not name a successor to Clinton until she is confirmed as Secretary of State.
CBS 2's Marcia Kramer contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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