Click here to subscribe today or Login.
Nephew Joseph might run for seat
WASHINGTON — Another Kennedy just might occupy the Kennedy seat in the Senate.
Amid the public outpouring over the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy, talk of a successor has focused on his widow, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, and his nephew, Joseph Kennedy II, the 56-year-old former congressman who could return to politics after a decade’s absence. He is the eldest son of the late Sen. Robert Kennedy.
“Even though he’s emotionally drained right now, he can’t help but be moved by the enormous flood of affection and respect from all over the country,” said veteran Democratic strategist Dan Payne. “He wouldn’t be human and he wouldn’t be a Kennedy if he didn’t give serious consideration to running for what is known as the ‘Kennedy seat’ in Massachusetts.”
Kennedy would be an early favorite if he decides to run, likely discouraging other Democrats who might be reluctant to oppose a Kennedy so close to the senator’s death. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick on Monday set a date of Jan. 19 for a special election. The primary will be Dec. 8.
Kennedy family sources have indicated that Victoria Kennedy is not interested in running.
Democrats who might run are Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, and Reps. Stephen Lynch, Michael Capuano and Edward Markey. Former Rep. Martin Meehan, now chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, has $4.8 million in his federal campaign account, the largest of any potential candidates.
Among the possible GOP candidates are Cape Cod businessman Jeff Beatty, former White House chief of staff Andrew Card, former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, former U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan and Chris Egan, former U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Cooperation and Development.