(Photo: Patrick McMullan )

Sentimental New York Democrats were rooting for Governor Paterson to appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate seat his father once held. But Kennedy’s not interested. “It was a heart-wrenching decision, and it occupied me throughout Thanksgiving with my family, with Teddy,” he says. “It’s not a good time for me to move to Washington, because I have a large and young family. They’re all in school.” That’s expensive—though not as pricey as holding on to the seat. “Against formidable opponents, most likely Peter King and possibly Rudy Giuliani, to defend the seat, I’m assuming it’s going to cost $30 million,” he says. “That means $60 million in four years.” Instead, “I’m urging my cousin Caroline to take it, because I think she would be fantastic,” he says. “I sent her a note; I haven’t heard back from her. She’ll be a huge force in the Senate.” Any other ideas? “Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand,” he suggests. What about his ex-brother-in-law, Andrew Cuomo? “I would leave those considerations to Governor Paterson,” Kennedy says.

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