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Joseph P. Kennedy II reiterates he won't challenge Sen. Brown

Print | Comments () Posted by Martin Finucane March 8, 2011 04:11 PM

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By Brian R. Ballou, Globe Staff

Citizens Energy chairman Joseph P. Kennedy II, a former Democratic congressman, said today he was not considering running against Republican US Senator Scott Brown, "not even a little bit right now."

Kennedy was joined by two current Democratic congressmen, Michael Capuano and James McGovern, in an East Boston news conference today criticizing proposed cuts to heating assistance for low-income people.

When asked by a reporter if he would run against Brown so he could advocate in Washington for such programs, Kennedy said, "I start to feel ill all of a sudden. Listen, there's two congressmen back here who would do a great job in running against Scott Brown."

"I spent 12 years in Washington, D.C. It was a great experience, a wonderful thing. I encourage you to try it anytime you like. But I enjoy very much the work that I do and want to continue doing it," he said.

Kennedy is a member of the legendary Kennedy clan, which included John F. Kennedy, the late president; Edward M. Kennedy, the late Massachusetts senator; and their brother, Robert F. Kennedy, the late New York senator. Joseph P. Kennedy is the son of Robert F. Kennedy.

Scott Brown was a little-known Republican state senator who came from nowhere in early 2010 to win the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Edward M. Kennedy. Brown is filling out Kennedy's term and must stand for reelection in 2012.

"I actually had a conversation with Senator Brown about this issue and he gave me great assurance that he understands this issue and will support continuing the full funding of the LIHEAP program and actually advocate for an increase in the funding of the LIHEAP program. So on that particular issue he is pretty good," Kennedy said at the news conference.