Thomas MacMillan Photo
Kennedy leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the New Haven Democratic convention that endorsed Toni Harp for mayor.
Another Kennedy is gearing up to run for elected office — this time in Connecticut.
This Kennedy, Ted Kennedy Jr., son of the late Massachusetts senator, told the Branford Eagle Monday that he is seriously considering a run for the 12th State Senate District seat. The district’s current senator, Ed Meyer, announced Monday that he plans to retire at the end of his term this year. Kennedy planned to issue a release about his potential quest later Monday afternoon.
“I am going to take the next couple of weeks to decide if I will run for Ed’s seat. It’s a big decision,” Kennedy told the Eagle.
“I’m considering the opportunity, but I want to first speak with civil and political leaders and neighbors to hear what they have to say.”
Kennedy predicted he would announce his decision within two weeks. The district covers six towns, including Branford, Guilford and Madison.
Kennedy lives in Branford and runs a health-care consulting firm called the Marwood Group. He has been involved in Greater New Haven civic affairs for years, including efforts to reduce children’s exposure to lead paint. He used to run the New Haven Lead Safe Home and Community Health Project. A bone cancer survivor who lost one of his legs to the disease, Kennedy has served on numerous advocacy efforts on behalf of people with disabilities.
Kennedy stops for a Louis’ Lunch burger with Chris Murphy on the 2012 campaign trail.
He has also in recent years become more visible at political campaign events (like one pictured, in 2012, on behalf of U.S. Senate candidate Chris Murphy). Observers have expected him to take the electoral plunge as a candidate himself. A 12th Senate District campaign would be his first run for office.
Kennedy’s wife Kiki is a n assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Yale.
Meyer issued his own statement Monday morning. In it he stated: “I will not be seeking re-election to the State Senate this November and look forward to retirement after about 50 years of public service which started in 1964 with my appointment by Robert F. Kennedy as a Federal Prosecutor in the U. S. Department of Justice. I will be 80 years old next year.”
In a formal statement issued shortly before 5 p.m. Kennedy thanked Meyer for his service to the district “and for the exceptional work that he has done for the entire State of Connecticut. Through dedication, keen intellect and personal commitment to constituent services, Ed has given us a stronger state, especially in the areas of public safety, economic development and environmental protection.”
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