Edward M. Kennedy
Edward Moore ("Ted" or "Teddy") Kennedy (b. 1932) is the second longest-serving U.S. Senator, a Democrat from Massachusetts.
Early Life
Ted Kennedy has spent a long life in politics. He is well known as being the younger brother of the late President John F. Kennedy and the late Senator Robert Kennedy. He went to Harvard College in 1950. However, was shortly expelled for cheating on his examination. His home is in Hyannis, Massachusetts, where he lives with his second wife, Victoria Reggie Kennedy. In 1962, Kennedy was elected to the Senate from Massachusetts in a special election and was reelected eight times.
Chappaquiddick Scandal
On July 18, 1969, Senator Kennedy killed Mary Jo Kopechne after he drove his vehicle off a bridge and into a pond after a party on the island of Martha's Vineyard. While in the car, Kopechne drowned while Kennedy did not to do anything to save or help her. The "incident" became a national scandal and has hurt Kennedy's image. He entered a plea of guilty to a charge of leaving the scene of an accident after causing injury. He received a sentence of two months in jail. Many Americans claim that he did not receive proper justice.
Presidential Campaign
Kennedy was frequently mentioned as a possible Democratic presidential candidate in 1972 and 1976. However, he chose not to run due to his controversial past and claimed to have family concerns after his two brothers were assassinated. But in 1980 he decided to primary incumbent Democratic President, Jimmy Carter. Despite Carter's unpopularity, he won the primary and eventually lost to Ronald Reagan.
U.S. Senate
Kennedy has gained a reputation as a very liberal Senator, even further to the left than most Democrats. On abortion he has a very anti-life record. He voted against confirming Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court of the United States and was in the minority of his own party to vote against confirming Judge John Roberts to the Court. On Immigration Kennedy has been a strong supporter of amnesty for Illegal Aliens. He voted agaist the war in Iraq and is also one of only five Senators who say they support gay marriage.
