Caroline Kennedy discreet in VP vetting

WASHINGTON, July 3 (UPI) -- Caroline Kennedy's discretion was a major reason why Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., tapped her to help vet potential running mates, those who know her say.

"One of the great assets and gifts that Caroline brings to the process is confidentiality and discretion," said Paul G. Kirk Jr., John F. Kennedy Library Foundation board chairman and a former Democratic National Committee chairman.

The daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy may shun the spotlight but throws herself wholeheartedly into projects she believes in, John Seigenthaler Sr., a member of the Profile in Courage award committee at the Kennedy library, told Politico.com.

"She is quite selective about what she chooses to be involved in," Seigenthaler said. "For the most part, it is fair to say those interests have focused on the work of the JFK library, but there are other areas where she has not hesitated."

Rep. Joe Baca, D-Calif., and Congressional Hispanic Caucus chairman, said when he met with the search team, Kennedy sought his opinion on specific candidates as well as who should be Obama's running mate.

"She is definitely deeply involved," Baca said. "Her assessment and evaluation and recommendations are going to be considered highly."