RFK Jr on short list for Senator Clinton's seat

[me b zola]

Per Kerry Kennedy just now on msnbc

[cali]

1. I place no trust in these rumors.

We'll see when we see.

[polichick]

2. Kerry Kennedy just said that on Morning Joe.

[me b zola]

3. Thank you

I edited to correct Ms Kennedy's name. I'm pretty excited. The media has mentioned many people but I never hear them discuss the possibility of RFK Jr.

:bounce:

[polichick]

4. I thought maybe Kathleen was making the rounds too...

I'd really like to see RFK JR head the EPA, but Senator would be good too!

[Mass]

5. This would be great news if this happens, but there are a lot of

names thrown out there. Who knows?

However, it would be great to add another serious senator when it comes to global climate change and the environment. The dozen senators who care about it and are ready to do things are too rare for something to really happen, as seen when it came to talking about drilling more.

[me b zola]

6. I'm trying not to get my hopes up

But there are a number of conservative Dems that often vote with the republican core issues, PE Obama needs as much progressive help in the Senate as possible.

[saltpoint]

7. It will be interesting to see what Gov. Paterson does with this

appointment to fill Sen. Clinton's seat.

If it turned out to be RFK Jr., I'd be very pleased.

[Captain Hilts]

12. A lot of folks want it, so it would be unfair for him to give RFKjr an advantage to winning in '10.

THAT's the appeal of Clinton or Caroline K. Neither wants the job permanently.

[saltpoint]

13. Hi, Mookie. I think RFK Jr would be an effective pick

because he WOULD want the job permanently and would cut across all the regional/ethnic/etc. demographics Paterson has to consider.

We definitely want to hold the seat for a long, long, long time. I think RFK Jr. is politically potent and poised to hold it for as long as he wants it, and needless to say, we'd have a very informed voice on the environmental crisis in the U.S. Senate.

It's just my take, but I think Bill Clinton would be a terrible choice.

[Captain Hilts]

14. But if you are a Cuomo fan or one of the other legitimate candidates, you'd be totally pissed...

that Patterson gave RFKjr the edge over the several other legitimate candidates that want the job.

This is why someone who doesnt' want it permanently would be the best choice. Hell, give it to Spritzer's wife. She's earned it!

[saltpoint]

18. I am not sure Andrew Cuomo wants the job. Maybe he does.

He strikes me as less the late-night-legislative type and far more the power politico executive type. Mayb e I've short-changed him.

Also I like his dad a lot better than junior.

Actually I like his dad a lot better than just about anyone. Anywhere.

Paterson has to make the appointment. He can't very well satisfy everyone. He might just as well go for someone who will lift the State, represent its citizens, and hold the seat as far into the future as possible.

[KittyWampus]

47. Andrew Cuomo would be hard pressed to win the upcoming election.

[Captain Hilts]

56. The fact that he is AG gives him the right to try, though.

I don't have a dog in this fight, but because there are so many good, liberal and viable alternatives here, it's best to make it a fair race.

[bdamomma]

8. who else is being considered for this.

I thought I heard Cuomo's son could be considered too.

[me b zola]

9. Yes, Mr Cuomo is one of the names that I hear from the media

Here's an article that names everyone but Bobby:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/12/hillary-rodham.html

Kerry Kennedy's statement made my day. :)

[Grateful for Hope]

10. As a NY'er

and, as someone who has a family member who works in RFK Jr.'s law firm (he practices environmental law), I would love to see this happen. We could sure use him here in NY, particularly since we have lost Clinton.

[me b zola]

22. We've got so much work to do (and a handful of republican voting 'D' senators to overcome)

So as a West Coaster I love the idea of Bobby's expertise in the environment and issues of poverty being in the Senate.

[Grateful for Hope]

28. Yes we do,

Thank you!

:fistbump:

[bdamomma]

46. I hope it works out good for NY'ers

you need someone who will be good and can work with Chuck Schumer.

[Grateful for Hope]

53. Thanks, Alyce

I think that a good Senator for NY will also benefit the nation. But, you are right -- we definitely need someone who can help make good things happen for our state.

[Captain Hilts]

11. He wants the job PERMANENTLY, so it would be unfair to GIVE him this appt.

It would piss off a lot of other folks that want to vie for the spot in 2010.

That's why Bubba and Caroline Kennedy have been mentioned as placeholders - neither would want the spot permanently and Patterson would not have to give the advantage to whomeever he appoints.

[saltpoint]

15. But that's what governors do. In many states they get to make just such

appointments.

Why not give a boost to someone you think could hold the seat?

[Grateful for Hope]

17. Exactly.

I don't know why this situation should be any different than similar situations in other states.

[Captain Hilts]

20. Because Patterson is a somewhat default governor and NYS has several good candidates...

that reprsesent distinct voting blocs in the Democratic party.

RFKjr, Cuomo, among several other legitimate candidates.

The advantage of incumbancy is too strong to just hand to someone in a race with so many good candidates vying.

[Grateful for Hope]

26. In my opinion

RFK Jr would make an excellent senator who would represent the entirety of the state very effectively.

I think that is what matters. If Cuomo were selected, I would feel the same way (although somewhat disappointed on a personal level).

I think the last thing my state needs right now, given our current economic condition, is to add a "temporary" nature to a very important political office.

I could care less about "hurt feelings" and "giving others a chance" at this time.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

70. When Cuomo was the Sec. of HUD here in D.C., he made a lot of enemies.

He's not a very nice person and is a show horse. We need RFK, Jr. in the Senate; someone who actually can get things done and works hard.

[Grateful for Hope]

72. Didn't know that

And, I couldn't agree more that RFK Jr. would be a wonderful Senator. I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

73. Cuomo was effective as HUD secretary because he had people here who were

primarily policy wonks. But he didn't really have any expertise in housing and economic development issues, per say. He had some brilliant people here, though...much, much better than what we got now. But he wasn't a nice guy. On the other hand, both Martinez and Jackson were personable guys.

[saltpoint]

30. I'm guessing, but I imagine that Gov. Paterson wants to

keep the Governor's job and won't choose anybody whose appointment would make it less easy for him to defeat Rudy Giuliani, or whichever thug and fixer the GOP comes up with for its gubernatorial nominee.

That said, it's the Governor's job to make an appointment when a vacancy occurs. One has just occurred and Paterson is the point guard here.

Nita has already bowed out.

We don't know who else is interested or who else is not interested.

I'm pretty sure several qualified folks are real keen on a possible appointment. A case could be made for all of them.

I'm making the case for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. I'm a Kennedy Democrat and the environment is a central concern. Would I love to have one of the most informed progressive voices on the environment in the U.S. Senate drafting policy for the entire country? Yes indeed I would.

I think Chuck Schumer would be a lot less enthusiastic about this than I am, but should Gov. Paterson ring me up and ask me which Democrat should get the appointment, I'm going to tell him RFK Jr.

[hlthe2b]

33. It happens and has happened all the time throughout the US...

and throughout history... I don't understand why it is such an issue now and only with NY?


Governors frequently make the appointment with an eye to who could most readily and effectively hold the position... That they always seek to choose a "placeholder" is simply not IMO born out from historical precedence...

[Captain Hilts]

57. Because Patterson wasn't voted into his job is part of it. And there are constituencies...

that want their candidate to get a fair shot at it in '10.

[hlthe2b]

62. On Patterson, I see the issue...

As for those constituencies who want their candidate, why are they not pushing for THEM to get the appointment, even if it means leaving their current position now?

[Captain Hilts]

19. There are several strong, legitimate candidates that represent strong political..

factions - women, blacks, Latinos...

The advantage of incumbency is too strong to give to just one person here.

So, it is a decision full of potholes to give one of these candidates the STRONG advantage of incumbency.

Hell, give it to Caroline K, Spritzer's wife, whoever. But not someone who wants the job permanently. Make the 2010 election a free-for-all.

[saltpoint]

23. Appointing a place-holder is one option for Paterson, but

I think it would reveal his leadership instincts to appoint someone who ardently wants the job -- and not just for 2 years.

Agree with you that there are many disparate constituencies. Group A wants an up-stater. Group B wants a tried and true hand. Group C wants this or that ethnic group represented. Group D wants a woman. And so forth.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., IMO more than any other likely appointee, cuts across larger swaths of the State's varying demographics.

I think it would be exciting, strategic, and very promising.

[me b zola]

16. He would still need to run to hold the seat

I think that Obama is going to need all the help he can garner to make progress on health care, the environment, and his programs to put people to work rebuilding our infrastructure. This will have to happen early in his first term.

I think that there maybe more backlash among the public if a member of his transition team were to be given the appointment, although I wouldn't mind a bit if Caroline were used as a placeholder--as long as she is holding for Bobby. :)

[Captain Hilts]

21. Incumbency provides a HUGE advantage.

That's why Clinton or Caroline would be politically good choices.

That way the no one has the advantage in '10.

[me b zola]

24. Sorry, but I want Bobby to have the advantage

IMO, his advantage is our advantage.

[Captain Hilts]

27. Wow! A LOT of folks in NYS would disagree with you. nt

[me b zola]

29. We've tried conservative

How about an infusion of progressive? How about someone that can actually help get Obama's agenda through un-watered down? I want someone that I know is on my side debating on the floor of the Senate. I want someone who will defend what is right without losing sight of who they are.

NYS is politically diverse. Upstate is much more conservative than the City. But we have seen in Obama how communication can win over people to your side. I believe that if Obama is able to rebuild our infra-structure and in the process help the environment and provide people with decent jobs that many of those who believe that they are conservative will be won over. Bobby can help make that happen.

[H2O Man]

31. Robert actually does

very well among conservative republicans. He would be very good in the Senate. (I would prefer him as the head of the EPA.)

[me b zola]

45. RFK Jr would be fabulous as the head of the EPA

Do you know, if given the choice, he has a preference?

I guess it's a toss up with being able to completely forge a new path in one area that is vital, vs being able to effect change on a number of important issues--the environment, poverty, voting rights, and Constitutional rights.

Couldn't he use political leverage to get someone like-minded named as head of the EPA, and then ensure that they take a sound course?

I value your wisdom, H20 Man, but I'm leaning toward him in the Senate. Convince me.

[H2O Man]

52. Good question.

When it was known that Moynihan was going to retire, a number of us wanted Robert to run. I don't think he was sure then. When Hillary Clinton ran, it was fine. As Senator, she worked more closely with Robert than most people realize.

During the years of Bush-Cheney, Robert moved to a new level of activism. Where he had not been "political" before, he began to recognize that he had to take bolder, and sometimes more controversial stances on a variety of issues.

When the 2008 primary season began last summer, it looked like Senator Clinton was the likely nominee. I think that Robert was interested in the Senate seat, had she been nominated and elected.

Since Obama's election, I believe there have been discussions about a few possibilities. I would be 100% satisfied with his being either a US Senator or the head of the EPA. I have a very high opinion of him, and hope that he gets whatever position that he wants.

An advantage of his being at the EPA might be Rep. Maurice Hinchey be appointed to the Senate seat. While there is far less media attention to this possibility, I am under the impression that it is one option that is being given very serious consideration. Rep. Hinchey has earned a reputation as VP Cheney's "worst enemy" in Congress. I've long considered him to be one of the most progressive voices in Washington, DC.

[Grateful for Hope]

54. Sounds like it is all good, H20 Man

Thanks for your input on this. I share your positive regard for Robert, both from a political position and from a personal position, as I mentioned in another post. I have also met him, and, felt that he was very genuine and very interested in the opinions of others.

I think he would be excellent in either position.

[Captain Hilts]

55. NYS has a wealth of good choices here. And, I think for that very reason, there was pressure ...

to get HRC out of the seat. RFKjr and the others are a spot younger.

It's a win/win/win/win situation for NYState no matter how you work it.

[bleever]

85. Hinchey is very impressive.

That's another exciting possibility.

[Raineyb]

78. I actually wouldn't mind him having the advantage either if he were interested in it. n/t

Regards

[saltpoint]

25. Incumbency does provide a huge advantage, which is why I think it

would be great for Paterson to appointment someone to HAVE that advantage over an already-weakened GOP presence in the state.

If your linemen open up a hole to the right side, clasp the damn ball tight as you can and haul butt right thru it.

[whistler162]

51. Or just as likely in this case incumbency is a disadvantage....

Gov. Paterson is a good Governor but was only elected Lt. Governor and appointing someone who likely will run in 2010 may not be a good choice. Especially when you have to justify it during your own gubernatorial run.

Let the primaries sort out the candidates and have Gov. Paterson appoint someone as a seat keeper Senator.

[Captain Hilts]

58. Exactly. How 'bout an 'elder statesman' from NYS who is too old to want to the job permanently?

I can't think of any names here, but there must be some.

[whistler162]

59. H. Carl McCall is 73 and comes to mind...

[Captain Hilts]

65. Sounds like another good option!

[Raineyb]

77. Actually politically speaking they're not such great choices

If Patterson chooses someone this year our new Senator gets a bump up in the seniority system which would be an advantage to the state. Putting a mere placeholder in there completely messes with that. Putting someone who wants the job and has good odds of keeping it would benefit the state. It's not like the person is a complete shoe-in. They'd still have to run for the office in 2010. (And again in 2012) Putting a mere placeholder does what for the state politically?

And Clinton would not be a good choice. It's bad enough that the party bulldozed Mrs. Clinton into the Senate seat after pushing aside a long time NY Democrat. I see no reason why we should put the former President in there. Better to appoint someone who wants to serve the state.

Regards

[hlthe2b]

32. I understand the poltics, but it is nuts...

I'd like to think that (for once) the needs of the people--in this case NYers would rise to the top of the priorities. Somehow, I'm doubting most NYers want a mere placeholder. Nor do I. The NY Senate seat has national implications... Those who want the spot in 2010 could take the temporary appointment, NOW, could they not?

Full disclosure, I think RFK would be an absolutely tremendous pick.

[me b zola]

34. Caroline has been mentioned as a place holder,

but not RFK. I believe that if he takes it he intends to keep it. :)

And yes, Bobby would be superb. :fistbump:

[hlthe2b]

39. Yes... and that's why I want Bobby...

I thought Caroline was being mentioned for ambassador to G. Britain... That would seem like something she would be interested in... I love Caroline, but it is Bobby that has given his heart and soul to progressive street-level politics all these years. He should get the offer, take the appointment, and fight to keep it! I can not imagine the NY factions could not rally around Bobby--even some of the conservatives.

[Renew Deal]

35. Hopefully there's a better choice.

[me b zola]

36. None better!

IMO! :bounce: :woohoo:

[Renew Deal]

38. I'm not that high on him.

I'd love it if someone got the job that has come through the trenches. Someone that knows what it's like to start at the bottom and work hard. Kennedy is a rich guy with a pet issue and a huge family name. What does he know about the little guy?

[hlthe2b]

40. Wow, Bleachers7, you really haven't followed Bobby's career

If you have to ask what he knows about the "little guy" you really do not know what he has done with his life. I don't know where to begin, but hopefully others will help or maybe you'll be intrigued enough to check him out his bio a bit more.


By your argument, one would think his Uncle Teddy had done nothing and could not know anything about or for the "little guy." :shrug:

[Renew Deal]

44. I've followed plenty, like when he opposed the offshore windmills at the Kennedy compound.

RFK Jr. and Teddy opposed windmills off the coast of the Kennedy compound. I was really turned off by that. I feel like that's a perfect example of hypocrisy by the obnoxiously wealthy with a big side dish of NIMBY.

[hedgehog]

61. He's not perfect, but then no one is. I think he's done some harm with his

claims associating autism with vaccinations, but then he's also done a lot of good making people aware of the state of the Hudson River.

[me b zola]

41. "Rich guy with a pet issue"?

Yeah, I guess being an environmental lawyer who has spent most of his life fighting for the little guy would describe "a rich guy with a pet issue".

What did his father know about the little guy? Yet Robert Kennedy Sr championed the little guy and worked on poverty issues and for social justice, much like his namesake is doing.

I'd bet my little guy(gal)ass that RFK Jr has a much better grasp on the issues that are important to me than 98% of those that are currently in the senate.

[Renew Deal]

43. That's the other issue

He's famous for his last name. I live in NY and I can say that I wasn't that high on Andrew Cuomo either. I wasn't convinced that he wasn't much more than a guy with an important last name. And I partly didn't like Hillary for president for the same reason. Maybe I'm a little cynical about family politicians.

[WinkyDink]

66. Do you also feel that way about "family" physicians? Lawyers? Actors? Teachers? How about the young

emulating what they've lived with and seen?

If you think the son of RFK, his very namesake, cares not for "the little guy", you're whacked.

[Renew Deal]

68. It's not the same thing as other professions.

If the son of a doctor doesn't have medical training/experience, he is not be a doctor. If the son of a lawyer doesn't have legal training/experience, he is not be a lawyer. And if the son of RFK has not had the life of RFK, he is not RFK.

The son of RFK is not RFK. The son of RFK grew up in "Camelot." He hasn't had a single day of financial hardship in his life. He was born rich, famous, and adored.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

37. Besides his environmental credentials

RFK is hugely committed to voting issues in this country. He would bring great stature to the Senate.

[me b zola]

42. Jeez, for a moment I forgot about his commitment to voting issues

Thank you for the reminder. :fistbump:

[bdamomma]

48. hey just throwing this out there.

is there anyway for them to do something sneaky and ask Bloomberg??? I know he's Mayor again.

[w4rma]

49. Not just yes, but hell yes. (nt)

[whistler162]

50. H. Carl McCall or someone like that......

a senior NY statesperson who won't run in 2010.
Let the primaries decide.

As much as I like Gov. Paterson I think it would be a mistake for him politically to appoint as a Senator someone who will try to make a run in 2010.

It also won't help the candidate.

[Captain Hilts]

60. Yes, he's a choice to consider. McCall, Bubba, CarolineK, etc. THEN,

let NYers decided who they want in '10.

[hedgehog]

63. One thing's for sure. We don't have time for a "place holder". There is serious business

to be done during Obama's first term!

[Grateful for Hope]

64. Totally agree. n/t

[whistler162]

69. With Paterson not elected as Governor a place holder is

exactly what we need. A appointed Senator and a some what appointed Governor facing election in 2010 could be a mess for the Democratic party in New York and a possible Republican win, depending on who they put up.

H. Carl McCall
heck Tim Robbins would be a good choice until the 2010 election and the primary battle before it.

[Raineyb]

79. So do I.

This placeholder nonsense is just that nonsense. We deserve better than that.

Regards

[Captain Hilts]

67. Just give the seat to Kerry Kennedy!

[ProSense]

71. Robert F. Kennedy’s Son Not Interested in Senate Seat

Robert F. Kennedy’s Son Not Interested in Senate Seat:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and son of the onetime senator from New York, said this morning that he had telephoned Gov. David A. Paterson and explained that he was not interested being appointed to the United States Senate.

<...>

“I have spent lots of time thinking about it,” Mr. Kennedy said in an interview. “I have spent time talking with my uncle, by brothers, my cousin and, of course, my wife. And I think I’m in a good position right now doing what I’m doing.”

Mr. Kennedy is the third of the senator’s 11 children and a nephew of President Kennedy and of Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. He is the host of a program on the Air America radio network and served as senior lawyer for the Natural Resources Defense Council, a nonprofit organization that works to expand environmental laws. Earlier in his career, he was an assistant district attorney in Manhattan.

He is the second public figure in the last two days to turn down the idea of serving in the Senate. On Monday, United Sates Representative Nita M. Lowey, a Democrat who represents Westchester County, said through a spokesman that she did not want to be considered for the job, which will become vacant if Mrs. Clinton is confirmed by the Senate.

“Right now, I’m trying to help move the country in the transition from oil dependency to renewables,” Mr. Kennedy said. “I really enjoy my advocacy work. I am doing things right now that I truly enjoy and that I feel are really making a difference.”

[Grateful for Hope]

74. Sorry to hear this

Thanks for the info, though. It is better to be informed than to be wishing for the impossible.

[Raineyb]

81. Bummer. n/t

Regards

[political_Dem]

84. That is too bad. I would have loved to see this happen. :(

[polichick]

87. EPA then???

[Cults4Bush]

75. No thanks!

EPA for Bobby and Brian Higgins or Byron Brown for the seat. Sorry but politics is local as well as national and Upstate needs someone in there...badly. Just an opinion please dont flame me.

[NewJeffCT]

76. anybody else on the short list?

just curious

[MBS]

80. No surprise -he's had his eye on this seat for awhile. n/t

[Grateful for Hope]

82. See this post

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7944584#7945756

Apparently, it is no longer an option.

[political_Dem]

83. Double post.

[saltpoint]

86. Things happen fast sometimes. RFK Jr says he does not wish to

be considered for the soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat in New York.

Nita Lowey has already withdrawn her name.

And Bill Clinton's spokesperson says he's out as well:

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/12/02/clinton_will_not_seek_wifes_seat.html

So the field is beginning to clear.

[bdamomma]

88. Rachel just reported. RFK Jr. not interested.

too bad, that is disappointing.

[polichick]

89. Maybe Obama has chosen him for the EPA!!!