>>FWIW I am what would certainly be called leftist these days and have no enthusiasm whatsoever for Caroline Kennedy being named the junior senator from New York. She has not earned the position. She seems like a nice enough lady and has done some good works, as have many of the Kennedys. Let's just start a level or two below first and earn it. Senator from New York is not exactly head of the bake sale committee.
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>FWIW (and having no strong feelings about who ought to get this seat), even if she's appointed, this doesn't necessarily point to Caroline have a long career in the Senate:
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http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/12/appointed-senators-rarely-win-re.html>
I think she should run for election. Then she can make her skills apparent.