Last night Senator Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy (D) of Massachusetts succumbed to a brain tumor at his home in Hyannis Port. Senator Kennedy was 77.
Ted Kennedy was the youngest of the Kennedy children. His was a checkered past. He was expelled from Harvard for cheating but later reinstated. He graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law.
While he didn't have an official role in the Kennedy Administration, he did run his brother John's Senate re-election campaign (1958).
He was elected to the US Senate in 1962, filling the seat his brother John vacated when he became President. And was presiding over the Senate on Nov. 22, 1963 when his broth John was assassinated.
Ted Kennedy married Virginia Joan Bennett in 1958. They had 3 children Kara, Edward Jr. and Patrick. They divorced over his womanizing in 1981.
On July 18, 1969 he drove off of Dike Bridge into the Poucha Pond inlet. With him was 28-year-old Mary Jo Kopechne, as his passenger. Senator Kennedy imerged unharmed and Miss Kopechne was killed. This incident followed him and contributed to his failed bid to win the Democratic Nomination in 1980.
In 1992 he married Victoria Anne Reggie. They remained together until his death.
Senator Ted Kennedy was a voice for seniors, the poor, unions, and Public Health Care. He was the most Liberal member of the Senate (a title he wore proudly). Yet he could and did work with members of both parties, Conservatives and Liberals alike.
The Statement on his Official Senate Website is:
“Edward M. Kennedy – the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply – died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.”Our prayers and condolences go out to his family.
1 comment:
Yet he could and did work with members of both parties, Conservatives and Liberals alike.
Kennedy's "work" with Conservatives was blackmailing them into supporting HIS bills. Not once did Ted Kennedy EVER give up anything in any Senatorial negotiation. He basically was the Arafat of the U.S. Senate
Post a Comment