VP Watch

Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, D-R.I., said he has joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in recommending Rep. Chet Edwards for the No. 2 spot on the Democratic ticket by sending a note in support of Edwards to his cousin Caroline Kennedy, who is vetting vice presidential candidates for Barack Obama.

Edwards is the Rhode Islander's chairman on the House Appropriations subcommittee that deals with military construction and veterans issues.

"I wanted to make sure she knew what a terrific guy I thought he was," said Patrick Kennedy, whose father is Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. "I put it in a note to her."

Edwards has maintained his hold on a Waco-based district despite its strong preference for Republican presidential candidates, and Patrick Kennedy says Edwards has done it without compromising.

"He's solidly a progressive candidate," Patrick Kennedy said. "He hasn't abandoned Democratic principles and yet he's managed to win conservative areas."

Patrick Kennedy suggested that Edwards may not be the only candidate he weighs in on, but declined to offer other names.

He smiled when I asked whether Caroline Kennedy should be considered. But "no comment" is all he would say for the record.