MA-SEN: Joe Kennedy to formally announce he'll run for Senate

[RandySF]

Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III, the last member of the Democratic dynasty serving in Washington, plans to formally announce Saturday that he is launching a primary challenge to Senator Edward J. Markey, an audacious political move that could open fissures within the Democratic Party and reshape the Massachusetts political landscape.

Kennedy will make his announcement at a breakfast with supporters and local community members at East Boston Social Centers, according to two people close to him. From there, Kennedy will tour the state through Monday, highlighting issues he plans to center his campaign on, including health care access, mental health and addiction issues, climate change, and civil rights, the people said.

Kennedy informed Markey of his decision Wednesday, one of the people added. A spokesperson for Markey’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Backed by his famous surname and relative youth, Kennedy, 38, will enter the race as the front-runner, according to recent polls. But Markey, 73, has insisted publicly and privately he will put up a tough fight to stay in Congress, where he began serving in 1976.



https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/09/18/joe-kennedy-formally-announce-run-for-senate/YGYTqnr197ahCYtQupxwqM/story.html?s_campaign=breakingnews:newsletter

[FBaggins]

1. We need to force both of them to pledge not to run 3rd party

if they lose the primary

[sheshe2]

3. Markey is my Senator.

Neither one would run 3rd party. They are Democrats.

[Celerity]

2. bad move nt

[Baltimike]

4. It never bodes well for Kennedys who primary their own party

Ted Kennedy hurt Carter in 198 and I don't think this will bode well either

[sheshe2]

5. Wish Joe would not.

He is young and he could wait.

He doesn't even have Warren's endorsement, Markey does.

[ritapria]

6. I hope Markey Wins

Young Kennedy should wait his turn ...Markey is a Good Senator

[Thekaspervote]

7. This! Not a good thing

[BlueStater]

10. How much longer is Markey's "turn" going to last?

He's 73 right now, will be 74 when he runs for reelection, and will be 80 at the end of another term. What if he decides to run for ANOTHER term after that, extending his time in the Senate to 2033?

He's not entitled to the seat until whenever he decides to retire and Kennedy has every right to challenge him if he wants.

[Marie Marie]

8. We need people running for the Senate against Republicans - not primary-ing other Democrats

[Bleacher Creature]

9. I've got a much better idea.

How about we open up the other Massachusetts Senate seat by electing Elizabeth Warren President. Kennedy takes that seat, we keep Markey, and all is good.