In Massachusetts, especially in Democratic strongholds where nostalgic affection for the Kennedys still runs deep, that pedigree remains compelling enough to vault a 31-year-old political novice into a leading Congressional contender.
In this working-class city, news that a Kennedy was poised to run for the House seat held for decades by the retiring Barney Frank has sparked intense interest, and a reflexive support that constituents readily admitted is only name-deep.
“I voted for them all, every one,’’ said Lorraine Bettencourt, 76, as she combed through the racks of a thrift store Friday. “I don’t know much about this one, but I was wishing they’d come back to politics. They seem to be smart people, the Kennedys. They do a good job.’’
Her husband, waiting patiently outside, agreed that the Kennedy name was good enough for him, especially given the current state of political affairs.
“They certainly don’t need the money,’’ he noted dryly. “So I guess they want to do the job.’’
Most political observers believe the redrawn lines of the Fourth Congressional District - from Newton to Fall River - are decidedly more favorable to Republicans, who are expected to make a strong bid for the seat this fall. But at the two ends of the hodgepodge district, Democratic mainstays who backed Frank time and again will be critical in the next election. And the lingering Kennedy mystique remains a considerable political advantage that even now seems certain to shape the field and scare off would-be political rivals.
“The Republicans are for the rich,’’ said Joseph Torres, 64, a retired construction worker, summing up the sentiment of many residents of the city’s north side. “The Kennedys are for the poor. They’ve had a lot of bad luck, but they are good people.’’
Like many here, Torres said he had never heard of this particular Kennedy.
Angelo Borges had just read about a new generation of Kennedys joining the political fray, and was heartened by the news.
