NYDN: Lack of donations to city, state Dems may hurt Caroline Kennedy's bid for Senate

[BeyondGeography]

Caroline Kennedy's supporters say she could raise tons of money as a senator, but when it comes to writing checks to New York Democrats, she's been largely AWOL.

This decade, other than a $1,000 donation to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, the Camelot heiress has not financially supported any Democrat seeking city or state office in New York, records reveal.

Some say Kennedy, who is worth at least $100 million, missed an opportunity to curry favor among Democratic pols to establish herself as a serious political player as she lobbies Gov. Paterson for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat.

She has already been asked to explain a spotty Election Day voting record over the past 20 years...

...On the federal level, Kennedy doled out roughly $30,000 in the past decade, but Clinton was the only New Yorker to benefit. Kennedy gave to Clinton's Senate and presidential campaigns. The former First Lady returned $2,300 of Kennedy's cash after she endorsed Barack Obama.

...Councilman John Liu (D-Queens), who is running for public advocate, calls Kennedy's Democratic credentials fuzzy.

"My comfort level with Caroline would be enhanced knowing she is truly upholding Democratic values or the values espoused in the Democratic national platform, which I'm not sure has been fully demonstrated yet," he said.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/12/25/2008-12-25_lack_of_donations_to_city_state_dems_may.html

[mmonk]

1. As someone who admires people for what they can do for society,

I would think raising money for things such as for public schools like she has done is more important as a character trait.

[BeyondGeography]

2. Perhaps, but that's not the way politicians tend to think

and this is a party-specific political appointment.

[mmonk]

3. Maybe but that's a shame.

[H2O Man]

4. Actually,

it isn't a significant factor. The decision is being made by the governor, who has to consider which person has the ability to raise funds in 2010 and 2012. In that context, Ms. Kennedy has a distinct advantage.

[mmonk]

5. Thanks for that.

Here's hoping it will come through for her (I make no apologies for being pro Caroline even though I'm not a citizen of New York state).

[BeyondGeography]

6. Paterson is in a tough spot with this one

Her name recognition and fund-raising abilities are undeniable, but there is a lot of resistance to her from the clubhouse. New York Democratic party politics is anything but a meritocracy; if it were, the state would be in much better shape. Some might say that very fact is what gives Caroline a shot in the first place, but loyalty counts for a lot, and here is where she scores very low.

It will come down to whether Paterson thinks she can win in 2010 and 2012. Personally, I find her to be drab and uncompelling, but I trust Paterson's instincts on this. I think he'll make the right decision, whatever it is.

[HeraldSquare212]

7. Few donations, seldom voted, wouldn't say if she would support the Dem candidate for Mayor in 2009

I just don't see how she's a good appointment.