Massachusetts: Joe Kennedy's First Hurrah

The area that constitutes the Bay State's Eighth Congressional District has launched the political careers of a succession of notable Democrats: Boston Mayor James Michael Curley, President John F. Kennedy, House Speaker Tip O'Neill. Last week another famous name was added to the list: Joseph Kennedy II swept past ten other candidates for the Democratic primary nomination to replace O'Neill in Washington next year.

Kennedy, 33, eldest son of Robert F. Kennedy, used a slick advertising campaign, a late endorsement from O'Neill and a strong get-out-the-vote operation to win 52.4% of the ballots. The closest of his rivals, State Senator George Bachrach, got 30.2%. Kennedy now faces Republican Businessman Clark Abt, who is given almost no chance. When family members gathered for a victory party, Senator Edward Kennedy, Joe's uncle, quipped, "I'm delighted Joe decided to run for the Eighth and not against me."