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Teddy Kennedy Junior set to contest Senate election in major boost for Democrats

Reports speculate 51-year-old will return family name to politics

PATRICK COUNIHAN,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 7:05 AM

Updated Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 9:12 AM

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Edward M. Kennedy Jr

Photo by Boston Herald

Edward M. Kennedy Jr is ready to follow his late father into the Senate according to reports in Massachusetts.

The Boston Herald reports that the Kennedy name could return once President Obama appoints U.S. Sen John Kerry as Secretary of State.

That move would allow Kennedy Jr to contest the Senate special election.

Edward M. Kennedy Jr. has already been approached by several people and asked to run.

The paper reports that he is keen on the idea and will make a decision once Kerry’s move allows for a special election.

A source told the paper: “Several people have approached (Kennedy) about running. They are all mindful that his name is Edward M. Kennedy.”

The report states that if Teddy Jr. runs, it will be the first time the Edward M. Kennedy name has been on the ballot since the liberal lion last ran in 2006.

The writer speculates that three years after his father died, Teddy Kennedy Jr. would likely clear the Democratic field.

Current U.S. representatives Edward Markey, Michael Capuano and Steven Lynch all are considering contesting the election with U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz and Attorney General Martha Coakley other potential Democratic candidates.

Party leaders however are concerned that no candidate other than Kennedy Jr is strong enough to beat Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown.

Sen Brown remains hugely popular in the Bay State even though he lost the recent election to Elizabeth Warren.

Kennedy Jr only fuelled rumors about his political ambitions during an interview with the Herald at the Democratic convention when he said: “Hopefully one day I’ll have the honor to serve.”

Nster.com

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pilib04 | Dec 19, 2012, 02:15 PM EST

Might be jumping the gun a bit with the Kennedy nomination. As I posted a week or so ago, there is one Large candidate in the room not being spoken of except by Nicomax. Duval Patrick broke bread with the President last Friday. Obviously they discussed the all White U.S. Senate. Finally, Mike Dukakis name is being floated to hold the seat until a primary can be held. Patrick should appoint himself and go for it.

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pilib04 | Dec 19, 2012, 02:07 PM EST

alisaann, not a "Kennedy lover" myself, but oddly find myself agreeing with you. The Kennedy Haters are imminently more dangerous.

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BippyBellito | Dec 19, 2012, 07:00 AM EST

The Kennedy's, and especially Ted Sr., have proven themselves incredible cowards in the face of disaster. (see Chappaquiddick). Worse yet, is that Ted Kennedy was the reason why we have the Traitor John Kerry in the Senate and now possibly as Secretary of State. It would do irreparable harm to allow this family to continue to rape the American Public once again.

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alisaann | Dec 19, 2012, 02:00 AM EST

and i HOPE that he DOES run and WINS....we NEED the KENNEDYS back in DC....they've ALWAYS been for the UNDER-DOG and those in need....to HELL, WITH THE "KENNEDY HATERS" ALISA

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pilib04 | Dec 18, 2012, 11:20 PM EST

Mike 7571, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, was the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003. She ran for Governor in 2002. How was that inappropriate.

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TisEyerish | Dec 18, 2012, 11:10 PM EST

Isn't it amazing that a story about a guy from one of the worst families in American history comes right under a story about a great hero?

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jflanagan | Dec 18, 2012, 10:20 PM EST

If he is anything like his father,please do not run. If he is like Robert, I can live with that.

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Mike7571 | Dec 18, 2012, 08:33 PM EST

His cousin, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend tried the same thing in Maryland a few years ago. She ran for governor on the ticket "Vote for me, I'm a Kennedy" but it didn't work out so well.

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handsome68 | Dec 18, 2012, 06:05 PM EST

Looks like he's taking after the father in more than one way: he looks too heavy. And what does "serve" mean to the Kennedy's, anyway?? Sorry, he'll have to show me, and I'm not even from Missouri.

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Nicomax | Dec 18, 2012, 02:58 PM EST

Why no mention of Governor Deval Patrick? He will soon be wrapping up his second term as governor, remains generally popular throughout the state, and is a solid campaigner. He could possibly even appoint himself to fill Kerry's seat until the special election is held. Not unlike what has occurred in South Carolina this week.

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kelauggie1 | Dec 18, 2012, 11:36 AM EST

Because he's a Kennedy, he's qualified??? What is wrong with the poeple in Massachusetts?

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FastEddy | Dec 18, 2012, 11:14 AM EST

Would you buy a used Oldsmobile convertible from this man?

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wjb1tex | Dec 18, 2012, 10:24 AM EST

I agree 100% pilib04. Personally I am sick of the Kennedy's, Bush's, Clinton's, and other career families. Career politicians too for that matter. I can't imagine someone in Congress for more than 12 years really having a connection with we common folks. Probably only the big contributors get their attention. The rich and powerful always exempt themselves from what they deem important to impose on others. Bloomberg wants to eliminate guns except he has armed security, CEO's want to reduce employee compensation but vote bonuses for themselves, and politicians implement laws "for the good of the people" but exempt themselves of course.

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pilib04 | Dec 18, 2012, 09:52 AM EST

Ted Jr. certainly has no lock on this race, but the Democrats have no one else. Senator Scott Brown will walk away with it, without Kennedy in the race. Annoying, but very clear. The real question is whether Ted Jr. has the fire to run for it. Either way, Brown remains the front runner, because he is currently a U.S. Senator and that reason ONLY. Warren carried 53.7% of the vote in November. The comfort for the Democrats is Brown's margin of defeat. With a margin of 7.5% loss, it was a near landslide. Every single Senator was reelected in 2012 except Scott Brown. Even Jon Tester, the Democrat in Montana, won reelection. Brown is by no means a sure thing if Ted Jr. can raise the necessary money. Certainly, Brown will have no trouble in that regard. Ted has maintained his residency, besides which, Kennedy's have never had a problem with the carpetbagger label. Bobby put that one to rest by 800,000 votes over Republican incumbent Ken Keating in the '64 NY race. Also, don't discount the strength of the Kennedy allure in Massachusetts. We already got a taste of that with Joe Kennedy III race in November. If I were putting something down at Paddy Powers, I would take Ted Jr unless Paddy makes Ted the favorite.

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