CNN Commentary: Caroline Kennedy would fight for N.Y. in the Senate

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By Joel I. Klein, Special to CNN, Fri December 19, 2008
Editor's note: Joel I. Klein has been chancellor of the New York City Department of Education since 2002.

Caroline was highly focused, efficient and hands-on in this effort. She verified the value of her work by visiting schools to see how funds were affecting principals, teachers and students.

She was unafraid of asking hard questions, bringing diverse groups together and looking for alternative solutions. She framed problems in ways that made them solvable. These are qualities that served New York City's 1.1 million public schoolchildren well.

Under her leadership, The Fund for Public Schools has raised more than $240 million from businesses, foundations and individuals, according to the fund. Schools have used these funds to improve middle schools, improve libraries, provide arts programs and train public school principals.

Caroline's belief that government can improve people's lives -- and the way she put this belief to work on behalf of the city's public schools -- has inspired many people.

In my experience, Caroline's belief in and passion for public service are contagious. If she is selected to represent our state in the U.S. Senate, I have no doubt that she would put that passion, along with her estimable talents, to work for New Yorkers in every corner of our state.

I've spoken with Caroline this week about her decision to seek the Senate seat. She understands that the stakes have never been higher, and she knows that New Yorkers need to have a senator who will fight for them in Washington.

Caroline is prepared to work hard for New Yorkers -- bringing jobs to our state, helping us win funding for infrastructure and homeland security, and helping to improve health care and education for New Yorkers.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/18/klein.kennedy/
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Well, somebody likes her anyway!

[dkf]

1. What a great writeup.

This is the kind of stuff I would like to see more of so we can learn more about Caroline and have a decently informed opinion instead of knee-jerk reactions about dynasties.

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10. It's a pretty ringing endorsement from someone in a position to make one.

Astonishing how effectively the anti-Kennedy message has been sown by the media, at least if that's where it's coming from.

[Captain Hilts]

2. But not focused or passionate enough to vote in Democratic primary elections.

I'm a supporter of hers, but she's got some splainin' to do on that.

You're supposed to vote.

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3. Does NYC have mail-in voting?

In Calif it's very easy arrange to mail your votes, but I'm not sure every voting district has the same program.

[Captain Hilts]

4. Yes, there is absentee voting and I think there is early voting.

Most districts make an effort to accommodate people who attract mob scenes.

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5. Okay. Speaking from experience though,

it's easy to miss the mail-in deadline. I use absentee ballots but usually wind up going to the polling place on election day, which as you point out would be a big deal for a celebrity.

[Captain Hilts]

6. Check today's NYDailyNews - she's missed nearly every Dem primary and some...

other elections. Coming out to voting only about half the time.

It looks bad. I was very disappointed to read it.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/12/18/2008-12-18_records_show_caroline_kennedy_failed_to_.html

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9. Have you ever missed an election?

I'll admit I haven't missed many, but I'm not Caroline Kennedy either.

[Captain Hilts]

11. Missing HALF your elections just doesn't demonstrate much passion...

for public affairs or any driving interest in helping NYstate Democrats, who, in the age of D'Amato and Rudy, needed help

[stillcool]

7. she's done for too...

although she's caught a break in the last day or two since it's all Warren all the time. I kind of hope that she doesn't get it. She's too decent of a human being to be a target for the American people.

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8. LOL.

I know what you mean, but she's got to know what she's facing, and she must have weighed the costs against the benefits and decided it's worth taking a shot. But I don't think it's a sure thing by any means, as the pressure on Paterson must be getting pretty intense.

[Captain Hilts]

12. "Women in politics needs to develop hides like a rhinorcerous."