Cape Politics

No longer speculation, Joseph P. Kennedy III throws his hat into the political ring

Kennedy to run for Barney Frank's seat

Only a source of rumor and speculation until now, Joseph P. Kennedy III has confirmed that he will be running for Congress in 2012.  The Boston Globe announced that Kennedy, the son of Joseph P. Kennedy II and Robert F. Kennedy's grandson, officially announced that he will be launching an exploratory committee today.  The 31-year-old has set his sights on Barney Frank's Congressional seat in the 4th District.  Frank announced in November that he would not be seeking re-election after a re-districting plan was unveiled.

Joseph P. Kennedy III also announced his resignation from the Middlesex District Attorney's Office where he works as a prosecutor. Prior to moving to the Middlesex DA's Office a few months ago, Kennedy was a prosecutor with the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office for several years.

RI Public Radio initially reported that Kennedy was likely to throw his hat into the political ring on Monday.  According to RI Public Radio, a source close to Kennedy confirmed the family has been "quietly" organizing fundraisers.

If elected, Joseph III will be the first new Kennedy in public office since Senator Edward Kennedy died in 2009 and his son Patrick left Congress in January 2011 after not seeking re-election in 2010.