Caroline Kennedy has ended her quest for the US Senate seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, halting a campaign that began with popular support but withered quickly over criticism about her experience and her reluctance to answer questions about her finances.

Kennedy made the announcement in a terse statement released early yesterday, ending hours of uncertainty surrounding her intentions as she appeared to waver in her decision to seek the office.

"I informed Governor Paterson today that for personal reasons I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the United States Senate," she said in the one-sentence statement.