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Joseph Kennedy II says he'd rather work for 'social justice' in private sector

(NEWSER) - Joe Kennedy II will not run for his late uncle’s US Senate seat, the Boston Herald reports. In a post on the website of his charity Citizens Energy, the former congressman says he prefers to pursue social justice through the private sector rather than electoral politics. The announcement means the so-called “Kennedy seat” is likely up for grabs, with Ted Kennedy’s widow, Vicki—who has not expressed interest—the only other possible successor within the family. More»

(NEWSER) - Ted Kennedy appreciates the sentiment, really. But this recent wave of eulogies might be a tad premature, he tells the New York Times. "Obviously I've been touched and grateful," he says in a phone interview. "Beyond that, I don’t really plan to go away soon." Friends say he remains an active behind-the-scenes player on health care reform, even if his return to Washington has been delayed twice by his treatment for brain cancer. More»

Docs want Mass. senator, 76, to cut back on work

(NEWSER) - Ted Kennedy was released today from the Washington hospital where he was sent yesterday after suffering a seizure during Congress’ inaugural lunch with President Obama. The 76-year-old Massachusetts senator was back “in good spirits” this morning, the Boston Globe reports, but doctors urged him to reduce his workload. Such seizures, brought on by fatigue, are common among brain-cancer patients. More»

Dems' options if Brown wins not looking good

(NEWSER) - With polls showing the majority of Americans opposed to the Democrats' health care reform bill, a victory for Scott Brown in Massachusetts today could sound the death of the party's yearlong effort at health reform. If Dems try to proceed with the reforms in the wake of a Brown victory, the GOP will have a strong case that a liberal minority is ignoring the will of voters to push its own agenda, the Washington Post reports. More»

Republican leads Martha Coakley 50% to 46%

(NEWSER) - For the first time in the tumultuous race for Ted Kennedy's Senate seat, Republican Scott Brown has pulled ahead in a major poll, beating Martha Coakley 50% to 46%. While Brown's lead in the Suffolk’s Political Research Center poll is still within the margin of error, it's a stunning upset for the Democrat, who was considered a shoo-in for the special election Tuesday, and a nightmare for the White House. More»