Kerry, Kennedy praise Hillary Clinton nomination

WASHINGTON —Massachusetts Sens. John Kerry and Edward Kennedy are praising Democratic colleague Hillary Rodham Clinton’s nomination to be secretary of state.

Kerry said in a statement Monday that Clinton’s “remarkable intellect” would help restore America’s alliances across the globe and advance President-elect Barack Obama’s foreign policy agenda.

Kerry had been mentioned as a possible secretary of state choice. As incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he will host Clinton’s confirmation hearing.

Kennedy called it an “outstanding nomination” and said he looked forward to working with Clinton to restore the country’s standing in the world.