Updated 01/08/2009 06:26 PM
Paterson Addresses Kennedy's Lack Of Political Experience
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Caroline Kennedy wants to be a United States Senator and to Governor David Paterson, her ties to Barack Obama are a reason why she could be a sound choice.
"Well, obviously, the ability of a new United States Senator from New York to receive cooperation from the administration will be a very important issue, in terms of the selection of that candidate,” said Paterson.
Support from Kennedy and her senator uncle, Ted Kennedy, helped boost Obama over Clinton during their tough presidential primary battle.
But it wasn't all praise for Kennedy from the governor, who also raised questions about her resume in two other interviews Thursday.
"Caroline Kennedy obviously has a tremendous relationship with the president, that's a plus. She does not have much legislative experience which is a minus. She has pluses and minuses,” said Paterson.
Paterson and Kennedy have spoken twice about the appointment and he expects to meet with her soon.
She's one of more than a dozen people lining up for the post according to Paterson.
It’s a high stakes pageant that could be decided as early as next Tuesday. That's the scheduled beginning of Clinton's confirmation hearings for Obama's Secretary of State.
“There is no possibility that there'll be an announcement at least until the confirmation hearings begin,” said Paterson.
The governor has previously said he won't name Clinton's successor until she steps down, but her confirmation seems all but a foregone conclusion.
Among other details trickling out about the senate selection -- Paterson reveals he's talked with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid about the choice.
Paterson repeated during his interviews Thursday that the decision is his and his alone, taking a dig at a top aide to Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Pushing hard for Kennedy, Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey has said it would be political malpractice to pass up Kennedy for the job, because of her links to the incoming president.
NY1 will have continuous live coverage from Clinton's confirmation hearings next Tuesday, beginning at 9:30 a.m.