In 1962, Ted Kennedy sought to fill the Massachusetts Senate once held by his brother, President John F. Kennedy. He was opposed in the primary by Edward McCormack, an experienced, well-liked veteran of Massachusetts politics.

In a debate that was aired on television, McCormack pointed at Kennedy and said, "If your name was Edward Moore instead of Edward Moore Kennedy, your candidacy would be a joke." In fact, Kennedy had never held public office. He still managed to win the election and is now considered "the lion of the Senate," the voice for those who have no voice.

The point is that having a famous last name should not automatically qualify a person for public office, but neither should it disqualify that person.

One of the objections to Caroline Kennedy's candidacy for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat is her lack of experience in government. She certainly is not part of the "good old boys" political network. This, however, will enable her to take a fresh look at issues and not be burdened by the baggage a long-time politician would bring to the office.

If experience is such a necessity, remember that Vice President Richard Cheney and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld brought more than a half century of Washington experience to their respective offices prior to leading our nation to the brink of disaster.

Further, let's be pragmatic. Caroline Kennedy was one of the only public figures from New York who endorsed the candidacy of President-elect Obama early in the primary season. Therefore, she will have much more access to and influence on the new administration and the White House than any other possible junior senator from New York. In addition, Harry Reid, the majority leader of the Senate, the person who makes the critical committee appointments, has publicly expressed his support and delight over the possibility of Caroline Kennedy serving in the Senate.

Many from our region have expressed concern about her lack of familiarity with Upstate New York. The same was said about Senator Clinton when she announced her candidacy for United States senator. Her response was to spend much of her time in this area of the state. She became schooled in the unique and challenging problems of Upstate and was a fervent and effective advocate for us, respected by Democrats and Republicans alike. I am confident that Caroline Kennedy will follow the same path, and that we will be seeing the same excellent results.

Her intellect is unquestioned. A graduate of Harvard University and of Columbia Law School, she has co-authored two books on constitutional law, both of which received high praise.

I hope my fellow Democrats will join me in urging her appointment to the United States Senate and then supporting her in the 2010 election.

MICHAEL J. MILLER, BRIGHTON

Miller is a former chair of the MonroeCounty Democratic Committee.