WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of slain President John F. Kennedy, may succeed Secretary of State-designate Hillary Clinton in the U. S. Senate, sources say.

Citing a source identified only as a "Democrat who would know," ABC News reported Friday that New York Gov. David Paterson has spoken with Caroline Kennedy about replacing Clinton in the Senate seat that her uncle, Robert Kennedy, held until his assassination in
1968.

The younger Kennedy's uncle, Ted Kennedy, represents Massachusetts in the Senate.

Caroline Kennedy was an early supporter of President-elect Barack Obama during the contest for the Democratic presidential nomination and led the effort to choose a running mate after Obama won the nomination.

ABC News, again citing sources, said Caroline Kennedy is considering the proposition.

Obama spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter told ABC Obama has no involvement in the selection of a successor to Clinton in the Senate.

"President-elect Obama has a very high regard for Caroline Kennedy," Cutter said. "But, he has not spoken with Governor Paterson or Caroline Kennedy about the race, and has no involvement in this process." (UPI)