WASHINGTON -- Caroline Kennedy, a scion of the most famous family in American politics, has spoken by phone with New York Gov. David Paterson, D, about the Senate seat that has opened up with the nomination of Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a cousin of Caroline Kennedy, confirmed to the Associated Press late Friday that she was "interested" in the seat, but national party operatives cautioned that the process of picking a replacement for Clinton remains in its early stages.

One New York political insider suggested that the revelation of Kennedy's interest in the seat is designed to keep New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the current front-runner, from winning the appointment. "In their mind (this) freezes the selection process," the source said. "They also thought that by doing this, it enhances Caroline's stature in case she ultimately decides to join Obama administration."

Kennedy's interest in the Senate seat presents a marked contrast to her public life up to now, which has been defined by her avoidance of the spotlight. During the campaign of President-elect Barack Obama, however, Kennedy emerged as a more high-profile player -- endorsing Obama in a New York Times editorial during the primary season and then participating in the selection of Sen. Joe Biden, Del., as the Democratic nominee's running mate.

Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy and niece of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, is the most high-profile name being mentioned as a replacement for Clinton. Clinton is expected to resign her seat next month when, and if, she is confirmed as the nation's top diplomat.

Among the other potential appointees which include Cuomo, who is divorced from Caroline Kennedy's cousin, Kerry; are Reps. Kirsten Gillibrand, Steve Israel, Brian Higgins, Jerrold Nadler, Gregory Meeks, Nydia Velazquez and Carolyn Maloney, Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.

Paterson has given few clues about New York's next senator.

"The governor has not yet reached out to any potential candidates," Paterson's spokesman Errol Cockfield told the AP. "He has been approached by several candidates. Any discussions related to that selection are private and the governor will not comment about speculation before a decision is made."

Whoever Paterson selects will run in a 2010 special election as well as a 2012 contest for a full six-year term. So Paterson is almost certain to pick a candidate who has the statewide name recognition and fundraising ability to keep the seat in Democratic hands.