While researching the past and present Kennedys in Congress I came across this from a 1998 Washington Post article about Joseph P. Kennedy II leaving Congress:
He also eventually made a mark as a legislator through his initiatives to end housing discrimination against minorities. Because of his efforts, banks now have to disclose racial statistics on mortgage borrowers, a tool the Clinton administration has used to enhance services in minority neighborhoods.
So, “because of his efforts” (and lots of others since then) the housing and financial markets have collapsed. Clinton “enhanced services in minority neighborhoods” by forcing financial institutions to lend to people who didn’t otherwise qualify for a loan. It looks like Joe II didn’t quit soon enough.
There are still two Kennedys in Congress, Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and his son, Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.). We don’t need to add Caroline to the mix. We already have enough wealthy Northeasterners who think we common people can’t survive without their help, and who are too dumb to realize that their efforts usually turn out to be more harmful than helpful.
Some think that Ted is about to croak, so adding Caroline will just maintain the status quo. I say forget the status quo. One Kennedy is a lot better than two Kennedys.
Some say that she lacks the experience to be a Senator. I say perhaps not, but the fact that she is a Kennedy is reason enough for the New York governor not to appoint her to fill Hillary’s seat.