Gov. Paterson Notes Caroline Kennedy’s Lack of Experience

Susan Davis reports on Congress. New York Sen. David Paterson told the Buffalo News today that Caroline Kennedy’s lack of legislative experience “does not help her” in her quest for New York Sen. Hillary Clinton ’s Senate seat. He further bemoaned the level of scrutiny and “gossip” that has become a “greater force right now than my decision.” “What I would say is that, to the media, it’s Caroline and the others. To me, it’s there are 10 to 15 good candidates,” the governor told the paper. Candidly, Paterson said Kennedy’s most obvious advantage was her name identification. “One thing that helps her is the tremendous attention that you all give her works to her advantage. Maybe if you didn’t give her so much attention she wouldn’t have it,” Paterson said. “So I would ask the question back: Why do you all pay so much attention to her? She’s just another person. So what? Her name is Kennedy? Why do you pay so much ... (link)