Caroline Kennedy, who was thought to be the front-runner to take the U. S. Senate seat from New York, vacated by Hillary Clinton, reportedly quitted from the race for senate seat; she withdrew her name from consideration on Wednesday.

According to the New York Times and New York Post, Kennedy withdrew her name, after she came to know that she was not Gov. David Paterson's pick for the post.

Kennedy told the media that she was withdrawing due to the concern for her uncle and his illness, but the real reason of her withdrawal is said to be Gov. David Paterson, who had decided not to pick her.

Kennedy's withdrawal has certainly cleared way for several other contenders, like Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, whose name was also under consideration.

Some other contenders for the seat include Reps. Carolyn Maloney of New York City, Steve Israel of Long Island, Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, Reps. Jerrold Nadler, Brian Higgins, and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. Gov. Paterson hopes to fill the seat by this weekend.