NY Post Exclusive: Caroline Kennedy has told Gov. David Paterson that she is withdrawing her name from consideration to replace outgoing Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in the U.S. Senate, The Post has learned.
Kennedy cited “personal reasons,” according to sources.
Her stunning move comes as sources revealed that Paterson had intended to appoint her to the now-vacant seat today.
The 51-year-old Camelot daughter’s 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.
The surprise decision leaves a crowded field of about 15 people, mostly elected officials, vying to replace Clinton – including Long Island Rep. Steve Israel, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, upstate Rep. Kirstin 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 has not publicly said whether he’s interested in the job, but has not tamped down speculation that he’s making a play for it.
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4 Responses
How was a private citizen who never held public office the “highest profile” person for this? People knew Coumo was a candidate, as is Peter King, and unfortunately Anthony Weiner.
um, you know…this was a good move.
uh ya know ya know ya know ya know ya know ya know she really ya know cant ya know say a ya know straight sentence anyway.
I really hope either Peter King or Andrew Cuomo gets the job. They both have experience & care about this State. I am so glad public opinion prevailed & that twit Caroline Kennedy won’t be our next Senator. Camelot has fallen, at long last!