NEW YORK - CAROLINE Kennedy met on Thursday with a civil rights leader in Manhattan's largely black Harlem neighbourhood, as she continued to reach out to influential Democrats in her quest to be appointed to the US Senate.

The late President John F. Kennedy's daughter has acknowledged she is seeking to be appointed to the Senate seat held by Mrs Hillary Rodham Clinton, who has been nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to be secretary of state.

On Thursday, the Rev Al Sharpton took Ms Caroline Kennedy to lunch at the famed soul food restaurant Sylvia's, whose walls are lined with photographs of visiting politicians, including the Clintons.

Ms Kennedy smiled as they made their way through a throng of media and into the restaurant.

On Wednesday, Ms Kennedy went to northern New York state in a carefully choreographed effort to win support to represent the state.

Ms Kennedy's emergence as a contender has generated both buzz and controversy. She comes from a Democratic dynasty but has never held public office, and some Republicans and Democrats have criticised her lack of experience.

'I come at this as a mother, as a lawyer, as an author, as an education advocate and from a family that really has spent generations in public service,' Ms Kennedy told reporters after lunch on Thursday. 'I feel this commitment, and this is a time when nobody can afford to sit out. And I hope that I have something to offer.'

Democratic Gov David Paterson, who will choose Mrs Clinton's successor, has said he won't make an appointment until Mrs Clinton is confirmed.

The governor confirmed Ms Kennedy's interest in the seat on Monday, the same day she reached out to Mr Sharpton in a telephone call.

After speaking to Ms Kennedy, Mr Sharpton released a statement saying he disagreed with those who say she isn't qualified to be a US senator.

He said he had invited her to dine with him at Sylvia's this week, reminding her that he took Mr Obama there during his campaign 'so it's a good luck stop since he did all right'. -- AP