President Barack Obama on Wednesday nominated Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former president John F. Kennedy, as U.S. ambassador to Japan.
Kennedy, an attorney and book editor, helped Obama secure the tough 2008 Democrat primary over Hillary Clinton -- the only time she endorsed a presidential candidate outside her family.
She was a co-chair of Obama's vice presidential search committee and in the 2012 race served as one of 35 national co-chairs of his re-election campaign and gave a prime-time speech at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.“These fine public servants both bring a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their new roles. Our nation will be well-served by these individuals, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come," Obama said in a statement about multiple appointments.
If confirmed, she would be the first woman to hold the post.
Her grandfather Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. was President Franklin D. Roosevelt's ambassador to Britain and her aunt Jean Kennedy Smith was ambassador to Ireland under President Bill Clinton.
She considered running for political office after Clinton resigned the New York Senate seat to serve as secretary of state but withdrew herself from consideration for personal reasons.