Branford's Kennedy Focuses on Local in State Senate Race Despite Obligations of Family Name

The race for Connecticut’s 12th Senate District includes Republican Bruce Wilson of Madison and Democratic candidate Ted Kennedy Jr. of Branford.

Kennedy, who carries his family name, is making his first run for public office for Connecticut’s State Senate.

According to the New Haven Register, Kennedy’s name has been suggested for numerous political offices in both Connecticut and in his home state of Massachusetts. In 2012, his name was suggested for then U.S. Sen. John Kerry’s seat after Kerry was appointed Secretary of State.

Kennedy, who has lived in Branford for about 20 years told the Register he feels that being the people’s representative in Hartford is a huge responsibility. An environmental lawyer, Kennedy told the Yale Daily News environmental protection and public health are important issues in the district, while jobs and the economy come first. He added that his rationale for running in Connecticut was simple as he has lived in the state for 30 years.

According to Kennedy’s campaign website, his other issues include children and education, healthcare and independent living as well as women, work and families.

Kennedy has received large support in the district where five out of six small towns are under Republican leadership and has even received support from Republicans, which has been attributed to his family name.

Wilson told the New Haven Register, people have said to him that they want to part of electing the next president, when referring to Kennedy.

According to the Boston Globe, Kennedy has focused on going local, refusing to take out of state financial contributions and has declined national media requests.

Kennedy has tried distancing himself from the family name, choosing to attend Wesleyan University rather than Harvard University, a university attended by many in the family, the Globe reports. He also distanced himself from his home state of Massachusetts.

Kennedy’s campaign manager, John Murphy told the Yale Daily News the race is going to be a close one and as much as supporters wish he would, he does not see Kennedy running for higher office in the future.

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