To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

In a statement released just after midnight, Kennedy said, "I informed Governor Paterson today that for personal reasons I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the United States Senate."

However, some political observers are not buying her explanation.

"Speculation will be rife as to whether she knew this wasn't going to be given to her and therefore decided to take a face saving measure," said David Birdsell of Baruch College. "It's a face-saving measure that comes with some cost because the quality of her aspiration for office, how much she really wants it, will come into play."

Many had considered Kennedy's appointment a done deal. But her rise to the top of the list was not always a smooth one.

Critics questioned her credentials and said Kennedy was only a top contender because of her last name.

In an exclusive interview with NY1, Kennedy said she just wanted to carry on her family's legacy.

"I haven't followed a traditional path, but I think I bring a lifetime of experience to this," she said. "In my family, public service is really the greatest honor anyone can have. It's a legacy I cherish and that I've tried to live up to my whole life."

It may be quiet outside Kennedy's Upper East Side apartment, but it is anything but in political circles. Paterson has said he plans to appoint someone to Hillary Clinton's seat by Saturday and there is much talk about who will take her place now that Kennedy is out.

State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is a strong contender, as is upstate Congresswoman Kirsten Gillebrand. Another possible contender is Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.

"This is not a campaign, this is not an election, this is an appointment, and the governor is charged with making his choice," said Maloney. "He says he will make it on merit and who he feels is best prepared in terms of experience and effectiveness to serve the needs of our great state. So this is his process, his choice, and I respect his process and choice."

A choice with big political consequences for New York and for the state's governor, who will likely be running for reelection with whomever he picks in 2010.