Contact: Cynthia Chambliss, 703-396-6971; After 6 PM Eastern and on weekends, Bob Sturm or Cynthia Chambliss, 703-307-8176 or 703-930-5148; ConservativeHQ.com

MANASSAS, Virginia, Dec. 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- The naming of Caroline Kennedy to a U.S. Senate seat from New York "would be a foolish, frivolous appointment," Richard A. Viguerie said. "It would show, once again, that many of our leaders simply don't take their responsibilities seriously."

Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, noted, "The country is facing a collapse in the trust and confidence necessary for the economy to function. Wall Street self-dealers are getting bailed out by their old friends with taxpayers' money. Top leaders in government and the private sector are being exposed as con men.

"Meanwhile, we face challenges around the world, from the likes of Putin and Chavez and the governments of Iran and China. And we face the likelihood, within the next five years, of a terrorist attack that could kill thousands of people - with New York perhaps the most likely target.

"Yet the political establishment is putting forth, as a U.S. Senator from New York, a person whose qualification is her last name," Viguerie said.

"Once again, politicians are acting like politicians - basing a decision this important on politics: Who can help get votes for Governor Patterson? Who will best hold the seat? Who can raise the most money?

"How about these questions: Who can help protect New York and the rest of the country from attack? Who can help people recover the value of their homes? Who can help people keep their jobs?

"How about a successful business person, or someone else who has shown the ability to run a large, complex organization and bring projects in on time and under budget? How about someone who has challenged the political orthodoxy on important issues, and won? How about someone who has some significant qualifications for the job, other than being born into the right family?

"Isn't anybody in the political establishment connected to reality?" Viguerie asked.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Richard A. Viguerie pioneered political direct mail and has been called "one of the creators of the modern conservative movement" (The Nation magazine) and one of the "conservatives of the century" (The Washington Times).