U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy has not contacted New York Gov. David Paterson about the possibility of Kennedy's niece, Caroline, being appointed to Hillary Clinton's U.S. Senate seat, the New York Times reported Wednesday.

The report directly contradicts an earlier story by the Times that said Kennedy, had reached out to Paterson about the appointment. In Wednesday's story, Paterson, a Democrat, denied any discussion taking place.

"We just haven't talked at all," he told the Times. "He hasn't sent any message to me from anyone. And no one has even called me and said they've spoken to him."

Also on Tuesday, Kennedy spokesman Anthony Coley denied any such conversation, and the Times wrote on Wednesday that neither Kennedy's office nor Paterson's office was contacted for comment before publication.

The Times also attached the following "editor's note" to both stories:

Editors' Note: December 10, 2008
An article on Tuesday about politicking on behalf of Caroline Kennedy as a possible candidate for the Senate seat being vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton reported that Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Ms. Kennedy's uncle, had called Gov. David A. Paterson to advocate for his niece. The information was attributed to Democratic aides, speaking anonymously.

On Tuesday, both Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Paterson said no such conversation had taken place. The Times should have sought their comment before publication. A corrective article is on Page A38.