(AP) SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Caroline Kennedy has said publicly for the first time that she wants to be New York’s next senator.

Kennedy said Wednesday in a brief statement to reporters in Syracuse, N.Y., she "would be honored" to be considered for the Senate seat held by Hillary Rodham Clinton, if Clinton is confirmed as President-elect Barack Obama’s secretary of state.

Kennedy was in Syracuse beginning an upstate tour to meet with politicians and power brokers.

The daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy is the highest profile name among those interested in appointment to the seat, which was once held by her uncle, the late Robert F. Kennedy.