Yes, this should be up to the voters. Look what happened in Illinois. Personally I don’t think it is all in the name in Caroline’s case. She has been the least politically active and stayed behind the scenes out of the public lime light. To throw herself right into the frying pan will be political suicide. Start small and work yourself up like everyone else. Now I have a question for you Whoopi. Why don’t you give your name to Paterson? Or run in the next Senate Race. Do you also have a New York address besides Vermont? I would rather have you as my Senator than as an ambassador to another country.

Whoopi Goldberg? Geez…

But I also understand the cost involved in having another election. I can see wanting to avoid that. And after this last interminable election season (if there is such as thing as a two year “season”) do we want more campaigning? I think this is what is called a rock and a hard place.

Personally, there are enough law degrees already in Washington. So far, they seem to be used to determine ways to get around laws. Perhaps someone with economics, with a major in ethics and a minor in International affairs, might be more useful at this time. SEC staff don’t want to upset Wall Street because they see that as their next career step, and who wants to upset a potential new employer…so let’s find someone

When I first heard Caroline Kennedy was being considered for the job, I was pleased. Perhaps some of it was nostalgia having grown up in Kennedy era. Now I am not sure. and certainly the Blagoveich /Illinois /senate issue has made a case for “it would be better to let the voters decide” After hearing her talk and being vague on issues, I am less inclined toward her. However, it is only 2 years and she could prove herself

Rather than personally wishing that this interim Senate appointment were up to the voters, why not start a campaign to petition an amendment to the US Constitution? Wishing is a passive “thinking” endeavor which accomplishes nothing. Campaigning for change is an active “doing”, one which accomplishes…..CHANGE. The provisions put into place for interim political appointments were well thought out. They have been politically successful until recently; since the average American citizen become interested in a more “hands on” interest in our government. I understand this provision, accept it and am not worried about it.

In light of the fact that both the Illinois and New York Senate seats are only for the remainder of two previous Senator terms, then appointment is not such a bad idea. However, now is not the time to change strokes in the middle of the river. If the voters want this process to be place in their hands, then they should begin by offering up a referendum to be placed on the next ballot or begin the amendment process for change. Everyone has a hidden agenda and what that is, we will never know. So let us just get on with the business at hand. Select and appoint someone and get to the business of stabilizing the U.S. Economy, ending the conflicts in the Middle East and reverse or slow down Global Warming.

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Carolyn Maloney would be my choice