Kennedy confirms she won't bid for NY Senate seat

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - January 22, 2009 n a statement released early Thursday, she says she told Gov. David Paterson that she is abandoning her attempt to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton for personal reasons.

Her uncle, Sen. Edward Kennedy, suffered a seizure on Inauguration Day.

Spokesmen for Caroline Kennedy and for Paterson, who will make the appointment to fill the seat, wouldn't comment.

The decision capped several hours of mixed signals. Kennedy's effort began late last year with popular support that withered after she drew criticism and questions about her finances.