Posted on 05/10/2009 12:08:18 AM PDT by Cincinna
A FAMILY battle is looming to succeed Edward Kennedy as senator and claim the leadership of America’s foremost political dynasty.
While Kennedy, 77, the “liberal lion” of the Senate, is suffering from a brain tumour, jockeying has already begun between supporters of two possible candidates to replace him after his death.
His wife Victoria, 55, a lawyer from a political family, is widely expected to run for his seat, which has a special place in family lore because it was held by JohnF Kennedy before he became president in 1961.
However, former congressman Joe Kennedy, the eldest son of Robert F Kennedy, is said to regard himself as the “heir apparent”, according to a biography by Edward Klein serialised in Vanity Fair.
“He is nothing if not aggressive,” said a family friend. “Anybody who tries to get between him and Ted’s Senate chair is in for a fight.”
In Ted Kennedy: The Dream That Never Died, Klein writes that Vicki, Kennedy’s second wife, has struggled to be accepted by the clan and is “seen by all as an interloper”.
Joe reportedly “vied with Vicki over who was in charge” of his uncle when Ted Kennedy was hospitalised. He appalled some nursing staff by ordering in a “feast of lobster, clams and shrimp”.
The senator had hoped that his niece Caroline Kennedy,a prominent supporter of Barack Obama, would be granted Hillary Clinton’s vacant Senate seat in New York, but the plan backfired.
As opposition to Caroline’s candidacy grew, her mood worsened. “Mom, you are above all this,” her elder daughter Rose, 19, allegedly said. Caroline withdrew that same day.
Joe Kennedy dismissed the reports of his ambition as “gossip”.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
Joe Kennedy, son of RFK, BFF Hugo Chavez, ugly marital row with wife and the Vatican.
Patrick, son of Teddy, alcoholic member of House from RI spends alternate weeks in Rehab.
Bobby jr, son of RFK, former convicted heroin addict... and the beat goes on.
Sounds like JFK/Jackie grand daughter, Rose,is the only one with brains in that power hungry family.
Haven’t we had enough of this liberal mafia?
I’m wondering if any of them should take a shot at it.
They just might be humiliated. The Caroline backlash may well have had an effect in MA.
Compassionate liberals that they are and all.
enough with dynasties. This is America, not for families who think they’re entitled to power
Is there something in the Constitution that says at least one of the Senate Seats from MA must be filled by a Kennedy?
The Kennedy clan has no shame. Remember, it's the 17th amendment plus earmarks that allow for idiots like Teddy to have a Senate seat for life.
Stupid me. I never realized it belonged to them.
The senator had hoped that his niece Caroline Kennedy,a prominent supporter of Barack Obama, would be granted Hillary Clinton’s vacant Senate seat in New York...
Toss them all into the water and let them swim for the finish line.... just be sure to keep moving the finish line.
Well said. Dynasty, my arse. If their legacy is fostering suffering and misery unto the American masses, then this “dynasty” must end.
Caroline Kennedy, with her kids (left to right) Rose, Tatiana and John
Rose Kennedy Schlossberg, granddaughter of JFK, Harvard class of ‘10, in a picture from her Facebook
Rose Kennedy Schlossberg Photos Tell Shocking Tale Of Smoking, Drinking, Famous College Student
They are acting as if this is the family business instead of a government job!
Mitt Romney for Massachusetts’ senate seat in 2010.
Otherwise, Mitt Romney for Nevada’s senate seat in 2010.
They act like they’re entitled to it. Screw them.
i guess when your mother (alone) is worth more than 100 mil a little slumming could be called a new experience
We have enough Democrats in the Senate already, thanks.
I thought Joe already had a day job driving a heating oil truck.
comparisons with imperial rome certainly fit with the kennedys. hereditary/family seats?
I expect to see a LOT more of this in coming decades.
Didn’t one of these scumbags throw somebody off his boat and into the water a few years ago? I think when the police showed up he claimed he was “on his way to the Capitol to vote”.
It’s hard to follow all the drunken, doped-up escapades of this sick bunch.
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