Paterson expected to make decision

A front-runner in filling Hillary Clinton 's senate seat has pulled out.     Caroline Kennedy announced Wednesday night that she's withdrawing her name. A Governor's aid tells News 4 Governor David Paterson could make a decision before Saturday.    

Personal reasons are why Caroline Kennedy said she's pulling out of the bid to represent New York as a United States Senator. The New York Post suggest she withdrew because of concern over her Uncle Edward Kennedy 's health.    He suffered a seizure on Inauguration Day. The Senate seat is open now that the Senate confirmed Hillary Clinton.

It's up to Governor David Paterson to appoint someone to the post. Polls indicate the seat could easily go to front runner and State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.  Democratic Strategist Hank Sheinkopf said there are still a number of candidates to chose from. He said, "Names mentioned this evening Byron Brown, Mayor of Buffalo , Kirstin Jelebran, a congresswoman from suburban Albany, Tom Suozzi, Andrew Cuomo , and Congressman Steve Israel we just don't know."

Local Congressman Brian Higgins is still in the running but no one from his office is commenting on what's next. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, who met with Gov. Paterson, remains quiet about who the Governor may pick.

"My focus is on Buffalo and moving the city of Buffalo forward. The U.S Senate would be a tremendous opportunity not only to serve the people of Buffalo and WNY but all of the NYS and the nation as well," said Mayor Byron Brown.

Mayor Brown is in Albany for budget hearings. As for news about Kennedy, Mayor Brown would only say he respect and supports Caroline Kennedy's decision.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wasted no time in stepping into her new role. Thursday morning she walked into the State Department and met with workers, who cheered her arrival. Afterward, she planned a round of calls to foreign leaders. The Senate confirmed Clinton Wednesday.