According the NY Times, Caroline Kennedy called Gov. Paterson on Wednesday to withdraw her name from consideration as Senator before changing her mind later that evening.
It's too little, too late. The opportunity to be involved in politics and public service at any level, from community board to district leader to councilmember all the way up the chain to POTUS requires an unflinching desire and ambition to serve in the position one presently has and may be interested in the future.
Remember Tom Golisano, who wanted to run for Governor, before deciding against it, and then changing his mind again and deciding for it. Remember Ross Perot who was a viable candidate before he changed his mind twice about continuing his race. Look at Mike Bloomberg who has floated balloons about every other race before deciding against them (and is weaker for it IMO).
Either you want to get involved in this lifestyle or you don't, especially in New York. There is no half-heartedness or "I'll do it on my conditions" when it comes to politics. Indecision is weakness (Are you listening Governor?) and weakness is a fatal flaw in NY politics.
Whether she wants it or not does not matter anymore. The indecision has killed her chances and New York State is the better for it.
On the contrary, if Paterson rewards this weakness by still appointing Caroline, then Paterson and Caroline both have to go in 2010 and I will begin immediately banging the drums for an Andrew Cuomo primary for Governor.