Boston Globe: Kennedy's letter recognizes what we hesitate to say

It’s hard to read Ted Kennedy’s letter without shaking your head in sadness and in wonder.

Our senior senator is urging state leaders to make arrangements to replace him.

~snip~

"I am now writing to you about an issue that concerns me deeply — the continuity of representation for Massachusetts should a Senate vacancy occur," he says, adding: "As I look ahead, I am convinced that enabling the governor to fill a Senate vacancy through an interim appointment followed by a special election would best serve the people of our Commonwealth and country should a vacancy occur." Left unsaid is that such an interim period may well include the debate over universal health care, a cause he has championed with his heart and soul for decades.

His letter is a recognition of what we know but hesitate to say. In all likelihood, Kennedy, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May of 2008, won’t be returning to the capital for any extended period. His storied career in the US Senate, a career that puts him in the pantheon of truly great legislators, is effectively over.