Kennedy is out.
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.
Other sources claimed that Paterson was still undecided, and Paterson himself was all over the place. So no one knows what the heck he is really thinking. But in any case, there's no doubt Kennedy was at the top or near the top of his list. The allure of the Kennedy name is powerful.
If Cuomo gets passed over for any of the other contenders, we might actually see a competitive primary for the 2010 special. And ultimately, that would be the most (small "d") democratic solution of all. So fingers crossed for "anyone but Cuomo".
But regardless who it might be, I wish Paterson would just pick someone already!
Update: NY Times says she withdrew because of concerns over Ted's health:
On Wednesday she called the governor, David Paterson, who is making the selection of who should succeed Senator Hillary Clinton. Her concerns about Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s deteriorating health (he was hospitalized after a seizure during the inaugural lunch on Tuesday ) prompted her decision to withdraw, this person said. Coping with the health issues of her uncle, with whom she enjoys an extraordinarily close bond, was her most important priority; a situation not conducive to starting a high profile public job.
She was planning to issue a statement on Wednesday evening.