Kennedy opts out of Massachusetts Senate race
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/09/07/art.joekennedy.gi.jpg caption="Joe Kennedy has decided not to enter the fight to succeed his uncle Ted Kennedy in the U.S. Senate."]
(CNN) — Joe Kennedy has decided not to enter the fight to succeed his uncle Ted Kennedy in the U.S. Senate.
"Given all that my uncle accomplished, it was only natural to consider getting back involved in public office, and I appreciate all the calls of support and friendship that have poured in," the former Democratic congressman said in a statement released Monday.
"My father called politics an honorable profession, and I have profound respect for those who choose to advance the causes of social and economic justice in elective office. After much consideration, I have decided that the best way for me to contribute to those causes is by continuing my work at Citizens Energy Corporation."
Massachusetts voters head to the polls in January to choose a successor for Ted Kennedy.
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there are many that be a satisfactory candidate for Ted Kennedys place so his sonor other relatives should not have to be pressured to fill it..there has to be another relaible democratic isn Mass somewhere.
This is a great race to watch, I really wonder who it will be. Maybe Mitt will decide to go into the Senate. I know that Curt Schilling for sure wont get in. I would like to see Barney Frank decide to take a shot at this seat, he would be great in the Senate! PolitaBlog
The pressure must have been enormous. I commend Joe Kennedy for resisting that pressure to do what he felt was right for him and his family.
If a mouse breaks wind in the forest does anyone know or care?
If Joe Kennedy decides to run/not run for the Senate, does anyone care?
They are one in the same question.
I think Teddy Jr. should make a run for it!
Hey Joe..there's a vacancy on Pennsylvania Avenue for an energy man..you should apply!
He is not Joe Kennedy Jr. Joe Kennedy Jr. died in WWII. His name is Joe Kennedy II. How hard is it to fact check a name?
Shame–Joe would have been the best. As the private insurance thug surrogates continue their 'push' to maintain the failed US health system, we need Kennedy help. Joe would make a difference.
Joe has found his niche, and is happy doing what he is doing. Perhaps there will be another Kennedy who will feel called to be a Senator, and try to have a sucessful future as Edward Kennedy did. And if not, another person who will have the same values as Senator Edward Kennedy did.
Wise Decision. His ties with Chavez would have worked against him. It is time for a change in that seat. We have had a Kennedy in that position since the late 50's. New blood is needed.
Joe K has done a good thing for the people of Massachusetts by running Citizens Energy. I will be glad to see him keep it going.
Very well said Joe. Good luck to you and your family.
Why can't a republican or independent fil the seat.
It's good to see that Massachusetts hasn't sold this seat to the Kennedy family. Time for somebody new.
He probably has a multitude of skeletons in the closet like the rest of the kinfolk. I'm sure they can come up with some other Kennedy to plug in. The people of Mass. are just a bunch of sheep who will vote for Democrats (except for Mitt) no matter how bad off the state is, just like CA ( and no, Arnold is not a true Republican.)
NO MORE KENNEDYS, PLEASE! I never liked any of them. They are the personification of what is wrong with this country. The rich do anything they want and get away with it. Not to mention that their money came from illegal activities. All this talk of Camelot and Kennsdys makes me sick. We only have a few more to go and , hopefully, they'll all be gone forever!
Good news. We do not need another scum-bag Kennedy in the U. S. Senate. Of course Joe is slightly better than Ted since his victim did manage to at least survive and lives in a wheelchair unlike Mary Jo who suffocated to death in an air pocket while Ted called his laywers. Enough of these radical socialists stealing money to buy votes. It would seem Massachustetts could do better.
He would take a huge pay cut. He gets millions to run the "non-profit" charity Joe for Oil. He runs it with his pal the dictator Chavez, the one who hates this country.
Why would Joe want a job as Senator earning under $200,000 when he makes much more as president of Citizens Energy. It had been reported that his deceased brother had made $600,000 and that was about 10 year s ago.. And remember this non profit fuel company helps all those poor people keep warm, with Cito donating fuel also . I feel so warm and fuzzy that Joe is helping people.
I don't believe Senate seats should be gimmes for a particular family. Nor should Presidencies.
Massachusetts voters will decide who they want.
Good news. We do not need another scum-bag Kennedy in the U. S. Senate. Of course Joe is slightly better than Ted since his victim did manage to at least survive and lives in a wheelchair unlike Mary Jo who suffocated to death in an air pocket while Ted called his laywers. Enough of these radical socialists stealing money to buy votes. It would seem Massachusetts could do better.
It would be nice to see Teddy Jr make a run- this is a family that has fought for the people for so long. I would be very happy to see them continue in championing for the people for a long time in the future!
Ted Kennedy would be my choice. Has charisma and character honed by adversiity.
Let's call a spade a spade. Joe is not running for the Senate because the polling numbers show he would lose.
Carolyn tried to get appointed in NY and the Kennedy charm did not work. Carolyn has the charm and universal appeal and none of the baggage that Joe has.
With the election of O-did we not learn that birthright was not the number factor in life? Let's elect Senators for their abilities and their accomplishments.
it may be high time for a non-kennedy to hold that seat. kennedy made lots of contributions to his state. still, new blood may bring new ideas and direction.