Caroline Kennedy has told New York Gov. David Paterson (D) that she no longer wants to be considered as a Senate replacement for newly-confirmed secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, two Empire State newspapers reported Wednesday night.

According to the New York Times, Kennedy’s decision was tied in part to concerns about the health of her uncle, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.). Sen. Kennedy was hospitalized Tuesday after suffering an apparent seizure during the luncheon following President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Paterson reportedly had indicated to Kennedy that he was planning to appoint her to the Senate vacancy if she would accept it.

Speculation about who Paterson will now appoint is likely to shift to state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (D), the person that public polls have shown is the favored replacement of state residents. Cuomo is also a possible candidate for governor in 2010.