BRISTOL -- Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy says his famous cousin is prepared for public life as she seeks a seat in the U.S. Senate.

Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, the daughter of slain President John F. Kennedy, recently told political leaders in New York that she is interested in filling the Senate seat being vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton. President-elect Barack Obama has named Clinton as his choice for secretary of state.

During an appearance Tuesday in Bristol, Patrick Kennedy told WPRO-AM that his cousin is steeped in politics and has more experience in public life than almost anyone he knows.

As well as being a member of the famous Kennedy political clan, Caroline Kennedy is president of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and a director of the Commission on Presidential Debates. She has raised millions of dollars for New York City schools.

-- The Associated Press