Why is Caroline Kennedy for NY Senator a bad idea?

[mawilson 2,133]

Since when did the US Senate become the House of Lords?

Well it *is* the US equivalent of the House of Lords.

Representatives = Commons

Senators = Lords

[Uncle Wally 2]

Since when did the US Senate become the House of Lords?

Well it *is* the US equivalent of the House of Lords.

Representatives = Commons

Senators = Lords

I'd say that's a rather simplistic, if not outright fallacious comparison.

For nearly 100 years the US Senate has had direct senatorial elections, and though some senators seem to buy seats (Jon Corzine, arguably Hillary Clinton), 'We the People' still directly elect them.

The House of Lords is made up of appointments and hereditary peerage. Your 6-greats grandfather could have been some big shot with a name that you still carry and you'd have a seat.

In the US, senatorial appointments only occur when a senator vacates a seat for whatever reason, and I think that needs to change. As we've seen in the past week, this system seems to promote corruption (Governor Harry Forehead from Illinois trying to sell Obama's seat), and popularity/sympathy/name contests (JFK's daughter here).

In my opinion, there should be a timely special election called when a vacancy arises, and in the meantime, the most senior House member from the state with the vacancy should have the vote of the vacant seat.

[Damian P 92]

The House of Lords is made up of appointments and hereditary peerage.

Just thought I'd mention that the hereditary peerage thing was discontinued a couple of years ago. Whilst mawilson's comparison between the 2 establishments may not be without its flaws, it's pretty much the case.

In the U.K. a bill of law goes through the commons first, and then the lords. I believe the procedure is markedly similar stateside, where it has to go through congress en route to the senate. Of course, my knowledge of U.S. legislature is no exactly phenomenal, so there's a fair chance I may be talking shite, for which I apologise.

[almaty 19]

i hope she becomes senator..new york..needs another kennedy senator...

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Kennedy not the clear favorite for Senate seat, poll says

(CNN) — A new poll out Wednesday suggests there is no clear favorite among New Yorkers on who they think should replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate — and despite the buzz over Caroline Kennedy, the soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat is not necessarily hers for the taking.

According to a new survey from Siena College, 26 percent of New York voters and 30 percent of New York Democrats favor another potential pick with a famous last name — current New York attorney general Andrew Cuomo, the son of former governor Mario Cuomo.

Some 23 percent of New York voters — and 28 percent of Democrats — want Kennedy to get the post. Nearly one in five preferred one of the othe Democrats often mentioned for the post, and another one in five had no preference for their next U.S. Senator.

The top two potential choices also have nearly identical favorability ratings — 58-21 percent for Kennedy and 59-24 percent for Cuomo.

"Both Kennedy and Cuomo have high name recognition among New Yorkers, and Cuomo has run for — and won — statewide office, which may help him marginally," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "Since the poll was done before Kennedy's officially announced her interest in the Senate seat, it's possible her support today is a little higher than it was before her announcement. But ultimately, the choice will be made by the Governor, not the voters of New York."

But while New Yorkers may be roughly divided on who they think should be named to the post, 31 percent believe Gov. David Paterson will ultimately pick Kennedy compared to the 16 percent who say Cuomo will get it.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/...seat-poll-says/

[*Robert* 2]

We need another Kennedy as much as we need another Bush or Clinton.

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Hmm...what an interesting topic...ahh...the "American monarchy" of the Kennedys....

Well first of all, I can't vote here in the US yet (lol...I'm still waiting for US Citizenship), for Senator or any other political position, so I can't formally voice my opinion about Caroline Kennedy there.

However, one advantage I see is that having a Democrat in power is better than having a Republican in power, no matter who it is....(thinking overall picture here as to what is best for the State and for the Country). So in one way, Caroline Kennedy being a Democrat is a good thing. However, just because one is a Democrat, that does not necessarily mean that they are the perfect candidate for the political job/position.

Oh and by the way, I live in New York State, and we've had our share of interesting political figures, indeed! And yes, if Caroline Kennedy or someone else is the Senator for NYS, that's a decision that we all have to live with here in NYS...So choose carefully for NYS Senator (whoever gets to choose)!

Ant (Undecided about the "American monarchy" but nevertheless Democratic...)

[chri'stina 190]

I don't know much about the process of appointing senators, etc, but I don't at all understand why just because someone is from a certain family who gave a speech recently should be appointed. I had no idea who she was before her speech at the democratic convention. Maybe people really into politics did, but I am sure I am not alone in not knowing much about her.

Edited December 30, 2008 by Parivar CSK

[Chica Yeyé 41]

We need another Kennedy as much as we need another Bush or Clinton.

Brother! They do dress better

[Nagishkaw 510]

She's related to Uncle Ted.