In this series, which started in July ‘08, wowOwow follows the political news swirling around Caroline Kennedy since her surprise endorsement of Barack Obama and high-profile placement on his VP selection committee. Now, Caroline is ready to launch a political career of her own. With the Caroline Kennedy Candidacy Watch, we’ll follow all the latest news.

The clock’s ticking for when New York Gov. David Paterson has to decide on Hillary Clinton’s Senate replacement. And he’s been spending some time with star candidate Caroline Kennedy.

Paterson met with Kennedy over the weekend to interview her and get a better sense of her political potential. He said last week that her lack of legislative experience was a "minus," but he likes how she’s close with Barack Obama. Others who are believed to be interested in the appointment include New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, and Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Kirsten Gillibrand, Steve Israel, Jerrold Nadler and Brian Higgins, along with Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. Paterson will conduct one-on-ones with them, as well.

Newsday says many are wondering why Cuomo — who often beats Kennedy in public opinion polls — isn’t getting more press play. Although many Democrats still think it will be Kennedy, Cuomo "has his fans."

"Smart people are saying, ‘Why not?’" veteran operative Hank Sheinkopf told the newspaper, rating Cuomo’s chances as "not impossible." But he says Cuomo could give Paterson a boost in the 2010 election, and he "has proven he can win statewide races. [Kennedy’s] never done any such thing. The governor needs less risk — he needs to win."

Kennedy’s not taking any chances, of course, and on Sunday, she met with some key black New York lawmakers in Brooklyn who said they were "impressed" with her. Among the many topics discussed, it was perhaps the economy that held the most attention, especially when Kennedy said the federal stimulus package, particularly money earmarked for infrastructure projects, could help address black male unemployment.

"She generally impressed everyone in the room," Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, D-Brooklyn, told the Daily News. "She was very well versed on urban issues, but more importantly showed a genuine commitment to affordable housing, black male unemployment and other issues concerning central Brooklyn."

It seems as if Kennedy is taking nothing for granted while Paterson deliberates — and the media chomps at the bit.