New York ? 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 today, she says she told Gov. David Paterson that she is abandoning her attempt to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton for personal reasons.

Her uncle, Sen. Edward Kennedy, suffered a seizure on Inauguration Day.

Spokesmen for Caroline Kennedy and for Paterson, who will make the appointment to fill the seat, wouldn’t comment.

The decision capped several hours of mixed signals. Kennedy’s effort began late last year with popular support that withered after she drew criticism and questions about her finances.

Paterson has said he is likely to announce his appointment on Saturday.