Posted on 01/05/2012 8:48:29 AM PST by raccoonradio
Joseph P. Kennedy III, the son of former U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy, is launching an exploratory committee in preparation for a likely run for the seat recently vacated by U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, sources confirmed this morning.
Kennedy, a 30-year-old prosecutor who is the grandson of late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, is slated to step down from his post in the Middlesex District Attorneys office and will open up an exploratory committee, which will allow him to begin raising money to run for the seat. His last day as a prosecutor will be Jan. 20, said a spokesperson for the DAs office.
Sources said Kennedy has been conducting polls in the newly-drawn district, which stretches from Newton and Brookline to Lakevile and Freetown. The district was recently re-drawn as part of the states redistricting and was stripped of the South Coast Democratic strongholds of New Bedford and Fall River. The new district, which now includes more conservative towns such as Bellingham, Franklin and North Attleboro, was cited by Frank as a key reason for his decision not to seek re-election.
Kennedy could not be reached immediately for comment.
Former Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Phil Johnston, a longtime Kennedy family adviser and ally, hailed the newest Kennedy political hopefuls decision.
I think hell be a terrific congressman, Johnston said. Hes a very bright, very committed person. He has an incredible commitment to the values of his family.
Kennedys move sets up a battle with Boston City Councilor Michael Ross, a Newton native who has already set up an exploratory committee and begun raising money. Republican Sean Bielat, who challenged Frank in 2010, is also reportedly considering another run.
Developing...
Is this the same Joe that pimps Venezuela oil all the time?
Run Sean Run!!!!
Maybe not, the district got redrawn which is why bawney is not running again. He thinks it would be hard to win.
Thanks. Still, the apple usually doesn’t fall far from the tree, especially in that family.
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