- Democratic party insiders: who feel they have a stake in the outcome and that they’ve waited their turn and carried the water they needed to carry to earn a shot to move up (i.e. supported Hillary). Also, although Caroline is much less a carpetbagger than Hillary ever was, she’s never been particularly active in local state politics, and while she has extensive fundraising creds, she’s never flexed those muscles for state Democrats, so she’s got no real in state political establishment or chits to cash in as of yet. This is why the Times has treated her they way they have.

- Republican party insiders: who have no real favorite, but recognize the fight is good for their chances to steal the seat in 2010. Plus an incumbent Kennedy in NY would be virtually impossible to knock off, and an immediate national figure to deal with.

- all Republican voters: who just go wild at the mention of the name Kennedy. They’re outnumbered and they know it, so they pretend to be Democrats in the hopes that someone takes them seriously.

That’s pretty much how it breaks down in-state. The vast majority of Democratic voters I know have a favorable impression of Kennedy (unless they were a hardcore PUMA, and disliked anyone who didn’t support Clinton over Obama) and don’t really care who takes the Senate seat as long as they can’t defend it. Of course, the factions on the net are a different story, but

I don’t think that’s true. Three-term Congressman Steve Israel would probably do a fine job. Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand would also be a good choice. They’re both smart, extremely hard workers, have legislative experience, and can raise the money. And either one of them could hold the seat; Congressman Israel has shown he can win the “soccer mom” vote and can work with people across the aisle, and Gillibrand has now won twice (last time quite handily) in a Republican district.

I’d give either of them the nod over Kennedy, though I’m not saying she might not do a good job too.

More importantly, why the hell is she waiting to explain why she has waited to get into public service? Obviously she’ll give some canned answer, but it would be nice to have at least some insight.

Sure, she’s a Kennedy. But that’s about all we can ascertain about her politics, other than the fact that she skipped a couple of primary votes (big friggin deal).

Ultimately, Andrew Cuomo is a grade-A jackass, and anyone else remotely worthy of the Seat have now removed themselves from contention. So, I’ll give - Caroline Kennedy may be the best bet. But that’s because its a poor field to pick from.