NEW YORK STATE -- Caroline Kennedy says she is dropping out of a bid to win appointment to the U.S. Senate seat once held by her slain uncle, Bobby Kennedy.

In a statement released early Thursday she says she has told
Governor David Paterson she is leaving for personal reasons.

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

The hours of mixed signals Wednesday night were the latest twist
in the Kennedy effort, which began with popular support that
withered after she drew criticism in her brief tour and early
interviews.

The reports were a shock to supporters and to Paterson, who had
appeared likely to appoint her to the seat.