Sen. Vicki Kennedy? No Consensus on What's Next

16,000 online donors respond to request

(NEWSER) - Scott Brown says he raised more than $1.3 million in just 24 hours as part of his bid to wrest Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat from Democrats' hands in next week’s special election. Brown enticed 16,000 donors to toss money to him online during the so-called "MoneyBomb" event. Though Massachusetts is a Democratic stronghold, Republicans are focusing on the race because a win could throw a monkey wrench in the health care works. More»

Candidates to succeed Kennedy cast selves as deciding vote

(AP) - The race to succeed the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has turned into a proxy battle over the fate of President Obama's health care overhaul. The contest between Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Scott Brown has coarsened with a week to go, as the two have cast themselves as custodians of the pivotal Senate vote to determine the bill's fate. More»

Please finish 'the work of his life,' writes Victoria Kennedy

(NEWSER) - In an impassioned plea to Democratic senators threatening to vote against the health care reform bill, Victoria Reggie Kennedy begs them not to squander this opportunity because the bill isn't all they would like it to be. "Ted often said that we can't let the perfect be the enemy of the good," she writes, arguing that the bill, "while imperfect, would achieve many of the goals Ted fought for during the 40 years he championed access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans." More»

Senator inherits Kennedy's cause of health care reform

(NEWSER) - Jay Rockefeller shares little of the temperament of the late Ted Kennedy, but what they do share is essential. “Massive wealth and a virtual lock on his Senate seat frees a man to do what he believes in,” writes Margaret Carlson. And for both men—the West Virginia Democrat now more than ever—that means a dedication to health care reform. In his own teary, stubborn way, Rockefeller has assumed Teddy’s “health care mantle.” And like him, he is "unafraid to be liberal." More»

(NEWSER) - Senator Robert Byrd wants his colleagues to honor Ted Kennedy by renaming health care legislation in his honor, Politico reports. “As a tribute to his commitment to his ideals, let us stop the shouting and name calling,” said Byrd, 92, himself in poor health. "My heart and soul weeps at the loss of my best friend in the Senate, my beloved friend." More»