We really should consider setting aside a permanent seat for the Kennedys, and I say that as someone who wants to see less of them in public life, not more. Give them their own spot, fully inheritable, to be filled by whomever the family designates, and you might just placate them enough to discourage other members of the brood from running. As it is, we’re looking at Caroline in New York, Teddy’s wife replacing him in Massachusetts, and just maybe Chris Kennedy as a dark horse in Illinois. This dynastic nonsense is already an American disgrace; let’s go the whole nine yards, grant them nobility, and limit them to one spot out of 100.

Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of an American political dynasty, has decided to pursue the United States Senate seat being vacated by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, a person told of her decision said on Monday.

The decision came after a series of deeply personal and political conversations, in which Ms. Kennedy, whom friends describe as unflashy but determined, wrestled with whether to give up what has been a lifetime of avoiding the spotlight…

Ms. Kennedy’s decision is likely to have a major impact on the governor’s considerations as he mulls who should succeed Mrs. Clinton. Already, some other Democrats have pointedly questioned her credentials for the job. United States Representative Gary Ackerman, a Queens Democrat, said last week that he did not know what Ms. Kennedy’s qualifications were, “except that she has name recognition — but so does J. Lo.”

She and Sharpton are already scratching each other’s backs. Paterson’s going to irritate a lot of New York congressmen if he snubs them for Princess, but I’m guessing he’s willing to risk it given how thrilled The One will be by the appointment. Caroline’s a loyal Obamite and inexperienced enough that Team Barry probably figures she’ll vote any way they want her to; if they’re intent on buying a Senate seat, forget Illinois and push for Caroline in exchange for a promise that Obama will campaign personally for Paterson when he runs for re-election. Everyone wins! Especially the Kennedy gene pool.

Exit question: Is there any way Paterson tells her no now that she’s made her interest public? Kennedy cultists won’t like that, Uncle Ted first and foremost among them.