U.S. Split Over Whether Kennedy Is Qualified

by Walter Alarkon - 12/19/08 1:16 PM ET

Caroline Kennedy has a ways to go before she convinces most Americans that she’s qualified to serve as a senator from New York.

A new Rasmussen poll shows that 37 percent of likely voters across the country believe she is qualified and that 37 percent believe she’s not qualified. The rest of the voters said they weren’t sure.

Kennedy, a Democrat, is seeking the appointment to the Senate to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton (D), who has been chosen to serve as secretary of State in the Obama administration. Gov. David Paterson (D-N.Y.) will choose Clinton’s successor.

Kennedy is well liked by voters. A quarter of them have a very favorable view of her and another 42 percent have a somewhat favorable view. Just 23 percent have an unfavorable view of Kennedy, who is the daughter of President John F. Kennedy.

But most voters — 59 percent — believe she wouldn’t be considered for the Senate seat if her last name was different.