Caroline Kennedy Withdraws Her Name From NY Senate Choices

Caroline Kennedy has just withdrawn her name for appointment to Hillary Clinton’s vacant senate seat in New York. Kennedy reportedly called Governor David Patterson this afternoon, saying her withdrawal was for “personal reasons.” There is speculation that her uncle Ted Kennedy’s health could have been the straw which broke the camel’s back, although she has been the subject of recent withering criticism.

This turn of events has stunned the NY political establishment and Governor Patterson, who was reportedly set to nominate Kennedy tomorrow. Kennedy had gained the support of some powerful backers in the state, including several labor officials and a top aide to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Kevin Sheekey.

But her pursuit of the seat has met with resistance, with some local Democratic officials suggesting it smacked of entitlement, and polls showing voters preferring Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo for the position. Caroline, a resident of the tony Upper East Side of Manhattan, has never served in public office. Her decision removes the highest-profile name in the ring to step into Clinton’s seat, as she departs after getting confirmed as President Obama’s Secretary of State today. Kennedy’s decision also virtually assures that the decades-long Kennedy dynasty in the senate is sure to end with Ted.

The surprise announcement leaves a crowded field of about 15 people, mostly elected officials, jockeying to replace Clinton, including Long Island Representative Steve Israel, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, upstate Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Carolyn Maloney.

For the first time on Tuesday, shortly after Obama was inaugurated, Paterson acknowledged publicly that he is considering state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for the slot. Cuomo would now seem to be the front-runner, but he may not want the job, as it is thought he would like to be Governor.

source: NY Post, NY Times

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