Ted Kennedy Jr. to run for Connecticut Senate

BRANFORD, Conn. – Ted Kennedy Jr. has long had his famous name bandied about as a potential candidate for high political office while he worked for the disabled, campaigned for others and gave a stirring eulogy for his father.

After years of prodding, the son of the late U.S. senator from Massachusetts has finally decided to make his first bid for elected office by running for state senate in Connecticut.

Hundreds, including state officials and numerous television cameras, turned out Tuesday for Kennedy’s official announcement.

Kennedy invoked his famous family, saying he was proud of its fight for social justice and fairness. He said his father, who died in 2009, believed in building consensus and he shares that philosophy.

“We need people in government, both Democrat and Republican, who are able to build bridges and find common ground,” Kennedy said while joined on stage by his wife and two children.

Kennedy, 52, is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 12th Senatorial District, representing towns near New Haven, a lower-profile seat than the U.S. Senate, where his name has been mentioned as a possible candidate. Kennedy said he believes he can make an impact at the state level.