Kennedy Family's U.S. Senate Seat Opens Amid Democratic Vying

Strategic Insights -

Former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II decided not to run for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by his late uncle Edward M. Kennedy. The decision has opened the door for other Massachusetts Democrats to vie for the seat, including Rep. Stephen Lynch, who announced his candidacy after Kennedy's decision. Attorney General Martha Coakley, who declared her candidacy last week, has an early organizational advantage. Meanwhile, former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey has ruled out a run, and state Sen. Scott Brown is "testing the waters" with a federal election law provision that allows him to raise and spend up to $5,000 assessing a campaign.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joseph P. Kennedy II, eldest son of Robert F. Kennedy, decided not to run for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by his late uncle Edward M. Kennedy, citing his work at Citizens Energy Corp.
  • The decision has opened the door for other Massachusetts Democrats to vie for the seat, including Rep. Stephen Lynch, Rep. Michael Capuano, Rep. Edward J. Markey, and Rep. John Tierney.
  • Rep. Martha Coakley, the state's Attorney General, has established an early organizational advantage with supporters lining city intersections for her campaign.
  • Rep. Stephen Lynch said it's "likely" he will announce his candidacy during the next week, after Labor Day.
  • State Sen. Scott Brown, a prominent Republican, is "testing the waters" with a federal election law provision that allows him to raise and spend up to $5,000 assessing a campaign.
  • The Kennedy family has held the U.S. Senate seat for all but two years since 1953, with John F. Kennedy moving from the U.S. House to the Senate before being elected President in 1960.

Statistics:

  • Rep. Bartholomew Joseph Tierney (D-6th District) campaigned on a promise to serve "the people, not the special interests."
  • Rep. Stephen Lynch recalled being laid off twice from shipbuilding and automaking jobs, sharing the experience of "a lot of others feeling right now."
  • Rep. Martha Coakley has established an early organizational advantage with supporters lining city intersections for her campaign.
  • The U.S. Senate seat has been held by the Kennedy family for 57 years, with Edward Kennedy passing away on August 25, at 77 years old.
  • Rep. Lynch reported that he would be announcing his candidacy during the next week, after Labor Day.
  • Rep. Martha Coakley announced that "we're off and running," shaking hands outside a Boston labor council breakfast, where Rep. Lynch also spoke.
  • State Sen. Scott Brown is "testing the waters" under federal election law, allowing him to raise and spend up to $5,000 assessing a campaign.

Sources:

  • GLEN JOHNSON, The Associated Press
  • Joseph P. Kennedy II, statement
  • Rep. Stephen Lynch, speech at the Greater Boston Labor Council breakfast
  • Rep. Martha Coakley, statement
  • State Sen. Scott Brown, interview
  • Kerry Healey, former Lt. Gov.