Kennedy Reaches Out To Clinton Directly

Caroline Kennedy has called Hillary Clinton to discuss her interest in the New York Senator's seat, a source close to Clinton tells the Huffington Post. But the two, as of Monday, had yet to actually speak.

"[Kennedy] called," said the source, "but they hadn't connected as of yesterday morning."

Nevertheless, Kennedy's outreach to Clinton, who is leaving her seat to become Secretary of State, is another chapter in what is quickly becoming a fairly comprehensive public and private campaign for the Senate post. Kennedy has additionally been in touch with a host of prominent New York figures, including Governor David Paterson, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Kennedy has also hired a well-connected political hand to help steer her candidacy to success. Josh Isay, former chief of staff to Sen. Chuck Schumer and founder of the political consulting firm Knickerbocker SKD, is a well-connected figure within New York politics. He is controversial in progressive circles, in part because of a client list that includes Sen. Joseph Lieberman and Benjamin Netanyahu. But Isay also has obvious connections that could aid Kennedy in the short term, including ties to New York politicos and powerhouse unions like the SEIU.

Even with Isay's help, the key sticking point for Kennedy remains: whether or not she can placate Clinton's backers in New York, many of whom seem tepid or antagonistic towards her candidacy.

Multiple reports indicate that supporters of the former first lady -- not to mention the Clintons themselves -- weren't willing to simply forget Kennedy's endorsement of Barack Obama during the Democratic primary. Others, including several Clinton fundraisers, have made public statements that the former first daughter simply isn't qualified for the Senate. But the source close to Clinton insists that their differences are not caused by hurt feelings, but rather preferences for other New York politicians.

"The Clintons aren't going to do anything against her," said the source. "I think they had just been more emotionally attached to names that surfaced before hers did, like Randi Weingarten [of the United Federation of Teachers] and [Rep.] Carolyn Maloney."

Asked for comment, Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines responded: "This is entirely Governor Paterson's decision, Senator Clinton completely respects the privacy of his process so will not be commenting on it or any individual candidate, nor does any third party speak on her behalf."

Comments

[cadbury]

I'd love to see Rep. Maloney appointed to the Senate, and Kennedy appointed to fill her seat in the House. That way she can pay her dues, just like her father did. JFK represented MA in the House for six years.

[neurologymatters]

It is too bad Caroline Kennedy did not call Senator Clinton when she chose to endorse President-Elect Obama. Calling Chelsea Clinton and not Senator Clinton showed lack of respect to the candidate.

[AnnMG]

The issues with Caroline Kennedy go deeper than the simple fact that she has never held a job or met deadlines in the real world. This poor woman, as wealthy as she might be, has had a tragic life that drove her to be a recluse. How much further from the hustle and bustle of normal New York society can you get? This woman could not possibly relate to the trials and tribulations of "regular" New Yorkers. She may be well educated but some practical experience is needed and certainly some contact with the real world. She is the lady in "the bubble"; her appointment would be outrageous acquiescence to wealth, privilege and political connections. If Governor Patterson makes this choice, he will be regarded as a weak-willed placeholder Governor and the Republicans will devour him in the general election. In fact, he might not get to the general election. Any qualified Democrat would be able to push him out of the primary. Caroline Kennedy is a far cry from the accomplished workaholic Hillary Clinton. It is almost humorous that she wants to start contributing to society at the age of 50. She certainly wants to start at the top! I think New Yorkers want political representatives that have worked their way up. Unfortunately, Patterson will probably concede to the aristocracy.

[badavis]

Where has Princess Caroline been during the past hellacious 8 Years? While Bush/Cheney destroyed the Bill of Rights and the economy Caroline Kennedy was silent. Robert Kennedy Jr. has spoken up repeatedly and has been particularly active trying to protect the environment, If another Kennedy is to inherit that seat it should be Robert Srs. activist son.

[fayemac]

That is right on. The only problem is that hes stepping aside for her. Hes the one they need and the one with the experience to go along with it.

[meko]

And apparently, over the past 8 years, there's been no "bench" in the State of New York. Not a single intelligent, honest, qualified, passionate Democrat elected to any office. And Caroline Kennedy, with her star power and great wealth, felt no obligation to do anything about it until now. When she's graciously offered to take the seat for herself.

[JoeDoorman]

What short memories we have. Ted Kennedy was the only senator that sounded like a Democrat in the early Bush years. Now all the Democrats sound like him, but to me they’re Johnny Come Lately-s, and because of them we are in Iraq. And if you don't remember this... then you have either, conveniently forgotten, or you are not a Democrat. Which is alright, we all can’t be one.

[Jan6]

So- some Clinton supporters don't want Kennedy to get the Senate seat because she endorsed Obama instead of Clinton. Maybe now they can understand why many Obama supporters are very unhappy to have Clinton as Sec. of State. And it wasn't that she didn't support Obama- she threw the kitchen sink at him.

[pupbayer]

Get over it. It's gotten boring.

[Hoppy]

Seconded

[instarx]

Mr. Stein - you can't insert your own text (and that includes bracketed text), inside a quotation. The speaker said what the speaker said, and placing your own text inside a quotation is not allowed. Sloppy.

[HARVIN]

"I'll cut my hair,put on a few pounds and honestly,no one will know she's gone." Caroline Kennedy

[lovingpolitics]

Hey Harvin did you take a look at the 2 pictures above??? M's Kennedy needs a face job!! LOL

[militarymomforobama]

Bottom line--if the NY Governor chooses her, that's the final word. In two years the people of NY can vote. Get over it people.

[luckyoldson]

I can't help but notice, with all of the bitching and whining about Kennedy...I see no recommended candidates being presented that would fit the bill better.

This is nothing more than a bitch-fest by the Clinton and Kennedy hating crowd.

[lizziekw]

Hmm... I don't know, I really like the Clintons and I'm from Boston so I really like the Kennedys too.

I'm just not wild about Caroline Kennedy for this US Senate seat. If she gets it temporarily, I wish her well. Personally, I'd prefer Carolyn Maloney, she's more experienced and has been very active in NY politics over the years.

[rubberneck]

Will she at least be vetted by the media? Instead of giving her this darling treatment? She deserves the Palin treatment also, because we don't know who she is or what she believes in. I have heard reporters justifying the palin treatment because the public deserved to know who she was. Same goes for Kennedy.

[Warmglobe]

HOw dare you!..don't you realize what you are saying? She has the greatest qualification of all..she's a Kennedy!...and she simply wants the job...what's wrong with you!

[Warmglobe]

and..sniff sniff.....her mom was Jackie Kennedy..oh how can you be so mean

[barkanomics]

I think Clinton is being Clinton again. Never EVER give up. when can it start being about the country instead of Clinton's ambitions? That said, I would like to know what is CK's experience?

[PBMac]

Get a life! Will you EVER stop whining about the Clintons? This is old news by now. It will be entirely Paterson's decision. The Clintons have no say in it. Besides that this country does not need anymore oligarchs. We have had enough already with the Bushes and the Kennedys are definitely in this class of people.

[luckyoldson]

Ditto.

This is probably the number one Clinton bashing, whining, crying site on the internet...and Huffington herself perpetuates it with inane headlines, horrible photos and articles by her minions that are so irrelevant they're laughable at best.

I suggest many here...GET-A-LIFE.

[hrhkat29]

Hillary is actually prettier..­..caroline­, poor caroline, didnt really get any of the good looks her parents had, but her brother was hot as hell, she will be a good senator though..

[DeniseD]

I think she is cute and looks just like the Kennedys.

[IkeChicago]

This is a done deal, Clinton on board, Sen Reid on board, Patterson has very little choice here. Now did Obama set this up for Caroline by making the NY seat vacant, only time will tell. There is a strange silence coming from Obama, but the message from him is very clear, Sweet Caroline.

[meko]

Bought and paid. Nothing like choosing your parents wisely.

[humanist1]

Honestly, say Fran Drescher on Larry King last night, and couldn't tell if she was serious or if this was her new schtick!

[bubbuh]

Both. She ubderstands publicity and chutzpah.

[humanist1]

I second the nomination for Fran Drescher!

[McChimp]

And while we're at it, why don't we nominate Jon Voight for the Senate seat in Florida come 2010?

[humanist1]

Perfect! And Arnold Schwarzenegger for.......­...nevermi­nd.

[bubbuh]

Angelina will have issues with that.