Caroline Kennedy Given Warm Reception By Senate Committee

Caroline Kennedy says she hopes to carry forward her father's legacy if confirmed as the next U.S. ambassador to Japan.

    She told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee she feels a responsibility to uphold President John F. Kennedy's commitment to ``public service, a more just America and a more peaceful world.''

    Kennedy faced gentle questioning from Republicans as well as Democrats, suggesting that she faces no obstacles to confirmation.

    The panel's senior Republican, Bob Corker of Tennessee, told her that she has ``a good sense of what national interests are,'' and that she would be a ``great ambassador.''

    Democrat Tim Kaine noted that JFK was honored for his military service fighting Japanese naval forces during World War II -- and now, his daughter would be the top diplomat in Japan, now a close U.S. ally.

    Kaine said it was a reminder that hostilities don't have to be permanent.

    If confirmed, Kennedy will be the first woman in a post that's been held by many other prominent Americans.  (Associated Press)