Caroline Kennedy Withdraws Her Name from Consideration to Replace Hillary Clinton in the United States Senate
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.
Now, the field is cleared for New York Governor David Paterson to appoint Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to the seat which in turn clears the field for Paterson to win the Democrat Party nomination to run for Governor in 2010.
Paterson was NOT going to appoint Kennedy and allowed her a face saving withdrawal. Thus, ends the very short political career of Caroline Kennedy.
The United States Senate seat from New York became vacant this afternoon when Hillary Clinton resigned after her confirmation as Secretary of State.
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3 Comments
Ling
You’re right. Paterson must have told her she wasn’t going to be named, so Kennedy withdrew her name from contention. But something tells me that Paterson may yet regret this. I mean, say what you will about Caroline Kennedy’s pathetic effort, the Kennedy clan in general still carries a lot of clout. If he doesn’t have their support, can Paterson survive in New York?
Flap
David Paterson will clear the field for his own renomination by appointing Andrew Cuomo. Then, the door opens for Rudy Giuliani to run and win.
Otherwise, Cuomo would run against Paterson and defeat him. Then former Governor Pataki would run against Caroline Kennedy and likely beat her.
Paterson made the right move for him. Now, he hopes that Rudy stumbles.
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