Senator Edward M. Kennedy Dem-Massachusetts, why does he get re-elected?

Question

i am curious, given so much negative press, what are the reasons that Massachusettsians continue to re-elect him as their senator? no hate answers please, only valid, thoughtful reason why you feel he represents you in a postive way.

http://www.ytedk.com/

thank you so much for your provocative responses. much food for thought, also a learning exprience since i confess to having my dictionary at hand while reading hstern's post. it reminded me of being in a poly-sci class. all made me think and that is what i like to do.

Answer 1

Because he 'brings home the bacon' for his constituents, that's why. (after he injests a good portion of the bacon himself, judging by his ever increasing girth) Just like Robert Byrd of West Virgina. Both of these guys are poster children for term limits. But as long as they're hauling home the lard for the voters back home, they'd be nuts NOT to vote for them.

Answer 2

Since the government at the Federal, State and local level has become the primary vehicle for robbing one’s neighbour for one’s own benefit Americans (Republican and Democrat) have opted to vote for or refrain from opposing any Legislator with enough clout to achieve that goal. This is why so many California Republicans vote for Democrats and/or left-leaning Republicans. It’s a simple matter or rational self-interest. If you hold to principle and send someone to office who opposes the status quo that person is likely to be relegated to obscurity and probably will not survive re-election. Why? Because they refused to go along with the way the game is played. They cannot get their ideas on the Legislative roster and cannot get their proposed Amendment to Bills adopted by Committees. They probably don’t serve on any Committee of even modest power. And most importantly they cannot bring home a little “pork” for their district.

This is why some of the worst politicians and worst policies survive year after year, decade after decade. If you want to rid yourself of this system, you have to first reduce the power of government, including the power of the courts, to the pre New Deal levels.

As the old saying goes: a State that governs best, governs least.

Answer 3

He has a great name that is basically a Massachusetts legend. He is an incumbent and as such has a machine established to keep him in office. Mostly it is because he has been a good Senator for his state and done a lot for it. Massachusetts is a liberal state, they are wealthy by most state standards and have no problem helping the less fortunate. This could be because they don't have as many as most other states,so they can afford to be generous with social programs.

Answer 4

Mass. is a liberal state that continually pushes the envelope on issues that most Americans would deem outrageous (same-sex marriage, etc.). It should be no wonder why they keep electing him to office. Also, incumbents have a great advantage in the elections due to name recognition, especially if it is Kennedy. He also has done a good job at pushing bills and projects for his constituents. Personally, I don't get it. He should have been out long ago. He is way out there in some of his thinking and seems to be out of touch... Or drunk!

Answer 5

Edward Kennedy is considered by many to be the last of one of the "American Royal Families". His father's political ambitions were played out through his sons...Joseph Jr. was destined to be President until his untimely death during WWII. John inherited the task of becoming President when his brother died, and succeeded only to be assassinated in 1963. Bobby was headed in the same direction when, during his Presidential campaign, he was assassinated in 1968. Edward is the last son. Controversy prevents him from a bid for the White-house, but he still represents the fantasy dynasty of the glory years of the Democratic party.

Answer 6

simple.

lack of competetion.

the republican party of massachusetts may very well be the most poorly run and least effective political group in the nation.

if cons want to win elections, they should stop nominating lunkheads for elected office.

that being said, i'm not familiar with the bad press (bear in mind i don't watch fox news, so i don't get the latest on kennedy's tragic accident and horrible judgement FROM THE EARLY 1970'S).

Answer 7

Its that Royalty factor and Dems claim to hate kings. No different then the Bush thing for the Repugs. Personally everytime I hear the man speak I want to throw up and he is basically like every other pompous Bostonian

Answer 8

He is in a heavy democratic area
he doesn't have alot of competition
he has been there for a long time and like McCain in my area tends to have alot of money in the war chest to use for compaigning which is hard to go up against
He is easily backed by the democratic DNC if you aren't more money that can be used against you
He votes heavy liberal

Answer 9

because between the House and Senate, incumbents tend to get re-elected 94% of the time. He's connected enough to get projects done here as well. I mean look at the guys who keep their seats well longer than they should, Strom Thurmond comes to mind

Answer 10

I really think it's because people feel sorry for the family. There was so much hope in the Kennedys to change this country, and people are still looking for them to deliver.