Son of the late Robert F. Kennedy said to be interested in Obama's old Senate seat

May 20, 2009 3:04 PM ET

CHICAGO (AP) - The son of the late Robert F. Kennedy is seriously considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama.

Spokeswoman Kasey Madden didn't say Wednesday when Chicago businessman Chris Kennedy would make an announcement.

The seat Kennedy is interested in is now held by Sen. Roland Burris, who was appointed by ousted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Chris Kennedy's father was a U.S. senator when he was assassinated in 1968. He's also the nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy and current U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts. His cousin, Caroline Kennedy, earlier this year ended her bid to be appointed to a Senate seat from New York.


http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10397015&nav=menu83_2

for years, until I read it in the paper this morning.:bounce:

I knew he was living in Chicago, but didn't know he was interested in becoming a senator til just now. The resemblence of him to RFK is "striking".

I welcome him entering the fray. After some of the recent hijinks, it's a relief. I am also glad that he has lived here for years and isn't a carpetbagger (can we say 'Alan Keyes?).

The resemblance is amazing.

Not only that, but Obama and Schumer are actively working to prevent a Democratic primary for Senator. So that Democrats' only choice will be the one we never voted for.

aside from being born a Kennedy....

from Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_George_Kennedy


Kennedy has been incredibly active in a variety of civic and charitable organizations during his years in Chicago, including:

Business and Economic

Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, the sales and marketing organization promoting Chicago’s most important assets to the travel and convention industries.

Ariel Mutual Funds, a Chicago-based money management firm that works with corporate, public, union and non-profit organizations.

Illinois Council on Economic Education, an organization dedicated to ensuring all Illinois students are afforded an education in economics in order to be productive members of the workforce, informed consumers, and active community members.

Executives Club of Chicago, which brings world leaders and practices to the local business community in order to establish productive relationships and explore the issues facing the business world in today’s business environment.

Economic Club of Chicago, a group established in the 1920s with the goal of aiding “the creation and expression of an enlightened public opinion on the important economic and social questions of the day.”

The Commercial Club of Chicago, a group that brings together the city’s business, educational, and cultural leaders on projects to improve central industries and create new economic opportunities.

City Club of Chicago, a group that brings together civic and cultural leaders to discuss and debate issues affecting the Chicagoland area.


Environmental

Citizens Energy Corporation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to make basic necessities such as heat and energy more affordable for those in need.

Interface, Inc., not only the world’s largest manufacturer in modular carpet, but also one of the driving forces in the corporate sustainability movement.


Health

The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, established in the name of Kennedy’s uncle, who was killed in World War II. The Foundation educates the public and works to pass policies that assist those with intellectual disabilities.

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the top-ranked physical rehabilitation hospital in the country.

Children's Memorial Hospital, Illinois’ only freestanding hospital for children and the top-ranked hospital in nearly every major pediatric specialty.

Center for Disability and Elder Law, a nonprofit organization that protects the rights of low-income senior citizens and people with disabilities.


Civic

Greater Chicago Food Depository, a nonprofit food bank that not only collects food for those in need, but also runs education programs providing the knowledge and tools needed to break the poverty cycle.

Chicago Council on Global Affairs, a nonpartisan group that seeks to impact discourse on global issues through leadership, education, and policy.

El Valor, a nonprofit group seeking to enrich the local community by empowering the underserved, disenfranchised, and disabled while creating a sense of unity among all community members.

Heartland Alliance, a human rights advocacy group providing housing, healthcare, economic security, and legal protection for low-income citizens.

The Irish Fellowship Club, a Chicago-based group dedicated to preserving and promoting Irish heritage.

Catholic Theological Union, the largest Roman Catholic graduate school of theology and ministry in the U.S.

Chris has been involved in making hundreds of jobs available; promoting "green" employment options; serving as an enviromental advocate; and promoting educational and supportive community-based services to the poor. He is a good man, and would be a very good democratic representative in Washington.

Nominated.

To some, the Kennedy name evokes an image of privilege and wealth. In my view, the bulk of the family lives and breathes the very best virtues and activities of public service. Glad to hear that Chris is no exception.

and I mean never -- fails to add a snarky, insulting, anti-Kennedy response to any OP on any Kennedy family member. And she claims to "like" some of the clan. I noted that she responded first to the OP.

Chris is a very decent man, who happens to be a Kennedy. He has learned from the lessons that his father taught in the last 5 years of his life, in particular. If Chris decides to run for office, it's a good thing. There are often advantages to having more than one candidate in a democratic primary.

Jan Schakowsky is exploring the possibility of running.

Besides being a Kennedy, this guy is a complete unknown here.

Some political involvement, lots of civic and charitable activities:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_George_Kennedy

Alex Giannoulias is the man for the job.