Long Island Congressman Peter King says he is definitely running for the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton, and adds that he does not fear the possibility of facing possible Clinton replacement Caroline Kennedy in 2010.

On the possibility that he may have to run against a Kennedy for the seat, King, who has represented Long Island's 3rd Congressional District since winning election in 1992 told the Irish Voice, "I assume she (Caroline) would be tough. She is obviously an intelligent woman with a good family name but it's really down to what has she done, what her positions are and is she really ready to fight for New York."

He continued, "It's a tough fight, when you're down there (Washington). I've been in Congress long enough to know that there is still hostility towards New York, and it's not just a Republican or a Democratic bias, it's just a bias against New York and you need someone whose willing to go in and fight it day in and day out."

King, 64, spoke to the Irish Voice on Friday and said he definitely plans to challenge the person who replaces Clinton as she becomes secretary of state in the new Congress come January.

Kennedy has emerged as the front-runner for the job since she confirmed her interest in the seat on Monday.

King, whose mother hails from Co. Limerick and whose father's family came from Co. Galway, said, "If I can be reasonably sure that I can raise the money I need I will definitely run."

King, who ran unsuccessfully for state attorney general in 1986, estimates that in order to effectively run a campaign for the 2010 seat he will need to raise in the region of $40 million.

"I'll have to find people who are willing to contribute to me because of who I am, and also people who may not want one of the other candidates for a number of different reasons," said King.

King feels he would represent New York better than any other candidate. "I consider myself a blue collar conservative. I'm strong against Islamic terrorism but also I represent middle income voters," he said.

King cited his father's job as a New York City police officer, his simple Irish upbringing in Sunnyside, Queens and his hard work throughout high school and college as a strong connection to his voters.

"Middle income people can identify with me and I would be a voice for them, and I don't see anyone out there right now on the Democratic side that is a guaranteed winner or who would do a better job than I would," said King.

The eight-term lawmaker's Irish upbringing played an important role in his involvement with the Irish peace process and the Good Friday Agreement.

"I was one of the first ones back in the 1980s to recognize Sinn Fein," explained King.

"The recognition of Sinn Fein was key to breaking the logjam, and I was the only politician not just in New York but in the whole country that was outspoken saying Sinn Fein had to be part of the process. I understood the issue and I had the guts to say what others wouldn't say. I was able to help get the job done."

King who served in the famed Fighting 69th Infantry Regiment for the New York National Guard from 1968 until 1974, is the top Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee. He has been known in recent years for his staunch stance on illegal immigration.

Sticking to his guns, King said, "I don't believe we can legalize those who are here illegally. What I am saying is, have tight controls, do whatever we can to get the new illegal situation under control, and then we can look two years from now, at whatever the status is of those who are still here.

"But I think to be announcing upfront that we are going to allow those who are here illegally to stay is sending a mixed message and is going to be an incentive for more illegals to come into the country," he said.

King said he "genuinely believes that immigrants make the best Americans, because anyone who will leave their home and uproot themselves and move to a foreign country has the type of spirit and attitude you need."

But he added, "I believe especially since September 11, we have to get control and know who is here and not here, so that is my objection to what some call amnesty or what others call comprehensive reform. It's rewarding those who came in illegally. Do what we can to get the borders secure, and see what we can do after that."

King, who is the author of three novels, will be making several public appearances in coming months to test the possibility of a 2010 campaign.

In the meantime, King plans to have a quiet Irish family Christmas with his wife Rosemary, his two children and grandson. He looks forward to a new year, where he plans to take a trip to Ireland in April.