JFK's daughter interested in Clinton's senate seat

Caroline Kennedy is interested in the Senate seat that would open once Hillary Clinton becomes US Secretary of State, according to a close relative who says the powerful Kennedy clan is fully behind her rising to the office previously held by her uncle.

"I know she's interested," Robert F. Kennedy Jr said. "She spent a lot of her life balancing public service with obligations to her family. Now her children are grown, and she is ready to move onto a bigger stage."

Once Mrs Clinton is confirmed to President-elect Barack Obama's cabinet, New York Governor David Paterson will appoint someone to fill the seat for two years.

The Kennedy family's connections and history cannot force Mr Paterson to choose Caroline, who is the daughter of President John F. Kennedy. But the family's strong support could increase pressure on Mr Paterson to choose her above lesser-known contenders.

Seeking the Senate seat would also be a significant departure from the life that she has lived until now, zealously guarding her family's privacy - and her own.

Robert Kennedy said the family would come out en masse for her if she does get the appointment and has to run for election in 2010.

"If she runs, you will see more Kennedys than you have ever seen in your life," he said.