Jan 9, 2009 7:23 am US/Eastern
Paterson Publicly Acknowledges Kennedy Weaknesses
Governor Says Lack Of Legislative Experience A 'Minus'
But Calls Relationship With Obama A Major 'Plus'
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Caroline Kennedy appears in this Oct. 15, 2008 file photo.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
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Is Gov. David Paterson changing his tune about Caroline Kennedy?
For the first time, the governor noted Kennedy's lack of experience in elective office might be a drawback in her bid for Hillary Clinton's U.S. Senate seat. But Paterson also commented on her relationship with President-Elect Obama, calling their friendship an important part of her appeal.
Paterson, a Democrat, said Kennedy, an author and lawyer who has never held elective office, clearly has drawbacks, despite her star power and private sector experience.
Paterson noted Thursday for the first time that her lack of legislative experience hurts her in comparison to the veteran office holders hoping to replace Clinton when she becomes secretary of state.
Paterson called it a "minus" in his ranking of as many as 15 candidates for the job, about 10 of whom he's already spoken to or interviewed.
It was the first acknowledgment of negative for Kennedy by Paterson, who will make the choice, he has said, as soon as Clinton is confirmed.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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