Caroline Kennedy told New York Gov. David Paterson she is withdrawing from consideration to replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate, the New York Post reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources.

Kennedy, the daughter of slain President John F. Kennedy, has never held public office but launched an unusual public campaign to replace Clinton, who has been chosen by President Barack Obama to be secretary of state.

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.