Caroline Kennedy IS Really OUT!
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Caroline Kennedy told New York Gov. David Paterson she is withdrawing from consideration to replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate, the New York Post reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources.
Kennedy, the daughter of slain President John F. Kennedy, has never held public office but launched an unusual public campaign to replace Clinton, who has been chosen by President Barack Obama to be secretary of state.
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Update: Just before 7 p.m. Wednesday, Errol Cockfield, Mr. Paterson’s press secretary, said the governor had referred to the assertion that Ms. Kennedy was withdrawing as “just the rumor of the day.” More than an hour later, Mr. Cockfield asked that that statement not be published, but neither he nor the governor’s communications director, Risa B. Heller, would respond to questions about Ms. Kennedy.
David Gregory is also confirming this information on “The Rachel Maddow” show.
Shortly After Midnight:
ALBANY, N.Y. – Caroline Kennedy withdrew from consideration for theU.S. Senate seat once held by her slain uncle, Bobby Kennedy, after a night of turmoil and uncertainty over her intentions.
“I informed Governor Paterson today that for personal reasons I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the United States Senate,” she said in a one-sentence statement released after midnight. Her spokesman, Stefan Friedman, wouldn’t comment further.
Her uncle, Sen. Edward Kennedy, suffered a seizure on Inauguration Day.
Spokesmen for Caroline Kennedy and for Gov. David Paterson, who will make the appointment to fill the seat, wouldn’t comment.
The hours of mixed signals Wednesday night were the latest twist in the Kennedy effort, which began with popular support that withered after she drew criticism in her brief upstate tour and early press interviews.
The reports were a shock to supporters and to Paterson, who had appeared likely to appoint her to the seat.
– AC
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