Thursday, January 22, 2009

Caroline Kennedy Drops Out of Bid for Senate

Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn her name from consideration to take over Hillary Clinton's vacant Senate seat in New York, the daughter of the 35th President of the United States announced early Thursday.

On Wednesday, Kennedy, 51, telephoned the state's Gov. David A. Paterson, whose decision it is to choose Clinton's replacement, and apparently expressed her concern for her uncle, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, according to The New York Times.

In a brief statement released by her spokesperson, Caroline Kennedy said only, "I informed Governor Paterson today that for personal reasons I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the United States Senate."

The elder Kennedy, 76, suffered a seizure Tuesday during President Obama's inaugural lunch and is being treated for a malignant brain tumor first diagnosed in May. He was released from the hospital on Wednesday.

Paterson is expected to announce his decision regarding the Senate seat on Saturday, according to The Times. Clinton resigned from the Senate late Wednesday, immediately after she was sworn in as secretary of state.

New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, 51, has also been mentioned as a likely appointee to the Senate.

Caroline Kennedy is the sole surviving child of slain President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Her bother John F. Kennedy, Jr., perished in a plane crash in 1999.

Source: People.com

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