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Caroline Kennedy backs out of battle for New York seat
Ed Harris22.01.09
CAROLINE Kennedy today pulled out of her bid for the US Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton, and once held by her uncle, Robert F Kennedy, shocking her supporters.
The decision came after a night of turmoil over her intentions, with people close to her denying or revising their comments. It was announced in a brief statement shortly after midnight.
Governor David Paterson, who had appeared likely to appoint her to the New York seat, would not comment. The daughter of assassinated President John F Kennedy, she is an author, lawyer and fundraiser for New York City schools. She jumped to the top of statewide polls early last month but was criticised as reluctant to answer questions, and her knowledge of New York and its issues were suspect.
She was also mocked nationwide for her frequent use of "you know" and "um" in interviews and was branded a lacklustre campaigner.
Other candidates include Attorney-General Andrew Cuomo, who leapfrogged her in state polls last week.
Reader views (3)
She is a political light weight but Barak Obama will do something to reward the Kennedys for their support. Ambassador to London?
- Patricia, LONDON
I may not like the woman's politics, but that doesn't mean she hasn't been subject to similar harassing attacks to those leveled against Sarah Palin during the recent presidential campaign. It seems to be a popular way, these days, of influencing elections (or for simple malevolent amusement).
"You know"? Poor grammar though it most certainly it is, it does not constitute lack of ability. It is a part of every day colloquial speech, like it or not.
- Rogan, Irving
You know she was the first democratic figure you know to um you know come out in favor of Obama and he had lots of you know other supporters of this calibre you know, um.
- Frank, ex-England
