Paterson: Caroline Lacks Experience

Governor David Paterson dealt Caroline Kennedy a severe blow to her hopes of becoming a US senator in succession to Hillary Clinton after he told reporters she lacked the relevant experience. "Caroline Kennedy obviously does have a tremendous relationship with [Obama], that's certainly a plus," he said. "She does not have much political, I mean, legislative experience, which is a minus." Paterson said Caroline was one of 15 serious contenders for the job; he has spoken to 10 of them. Others in the frame include New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, and Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Steve Israel, Jerrold Nadler, Kirsten Gillibrand and Brian Higgins.