Caroline Kennedy’s sudden withdrawal from consideration for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton might have reflected her realization that New York Gov. David Paterson was leaning in a different direction. Some news agencies had reported that the team responsible for vetting the candidates for Paterson had uncovered problems involving Kennedy’s taxes and a household employee. But Paterson made it clear on Thursday that “the decision to withdraw was entirely her own” and that it was not a reflection of any negative information he was aware of. Many of those close to the governor expressed surprise that Kennedy, the niece of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, had backed out of consideration, saying that she was a shoe-in for the job. Although she was unpopular among many New Yorkers, she enjoyed a large following among those who believed her family name provided all the clout needed to deliver the bacon for her constituents.

TAGS: caroline kennedy, David Paterson, senate

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