Who said it first?

With all the buzz swirling about Caroline Kennedy and her growing likelihood of being appointed to replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate, we have to give ourselves a small pat on the back and remind whoever may be interested that we predicted it first. Our Not 4 Publication column of Dec. 4 (written Nov. 29) may have been the first place where Kennedy's name was thrown into the fray.

"However, we like the dark-horse pick of his first cousin, Carolyn Kennedy. An early Obama supporter and member of the Obama Veep selection panel, she had been mentioned for UN Ambassador. She is a New Yorker, a woman and extremely electable. She likely would bring to Paterson more positive publicity than any other on the list. The daughter of JFK emerged as a national figure during the Obama campaign and is the likely person to carry on the family’s Senate legacy with the illness to Uncle Teddy."

Mr. Smith Goes To Albany

This week's Not For Publication column details the rise, fall and ongoing negotiations being done by Sen. Malcolm Smith while a Page 3 story details the way the deal came together and fell apart. We keep expecting the story to change, so be sure to stay tuned.

Introducing Senator (fill in the blank)

With Hillary Clinton getting the nod as Barack Obama's Secretary of State, the question of who will replace her is at the forefront of political discussion. There is a wide field of possible contenders, as reported in this week's Not For Publication, and at least one name on the list, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, said she would be honored if chosen.

Anthony Weiner & A Silly Putty Economy

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER

Wednesday morning, the day after the election, Anthony Weiner stopped by for a cup of coffee.

Actually, he was driving on the L.I.E. service road in a sound truck loudly thanking voters for returning him to Congress and decided there may be a free cup of coffee and some actual feedback inside.

It’s been a long time since I’ve interviewed him and since almost all of Wednesday’s discussion was on background or off-the-record, there’s little I can share with you. Except, Anthony is running for Mayor next year.

More follows after the jump. [Queens Tribune]