Patrick Kennedy Video Message

Patrick Kennedy won't seek re-election.

From the Wall Street Journal:

Democratic Rep. Patrick Kennedy, the son of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, will not seek reelection this fall, a senior Democrat said Thursday.

...His decision to retire comes less than a year after his father's death, and his departure will likely leave Congress without a member of the Kennedy clan for the first time since his uncle, John F. Kennedy, later U.S. president, was elected to the House of Representatives in 1946.

In a taped message to be aired on Rhode Island's television stations Sunday night, Kennedy did not give a reason for his decision, but he began the message by saying it had been a difficult few years for many people, according to the Associated Press. "Illness took the life of my most cherished mentor and confidante, my ultimate source of spirit and strength," he said. "From the countless lives he lifted, to the American promise he helped shape, my father taught me that politics at its very core was about serving others."

...In the video address, Mr. Kennedy said he remained committed to public service, but was not specific over his plans, the AP reported. He also thanked Rhode Island voters for supporting him through ups and downs.

"When I made missteps or suffered setbacks, you responded not with contempt, but compassion," he said. "Thank you for all the times you lifted me up, pushed me forward."

According to the Wall Street Journal, "Kennedy did not give a reason for his decision" in the taped message.

The New York Times gives a different story.

Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, Democrat of Rhode Island, has told Democratic leaders that he will not seek re-election this year, a party official said Thursday evening. Once he leaves office, it would be the first time in a half-century that a Kennedy would not be serving in Congress... Mr. Kennedy recorded a video announcement that was to be released on Sunday, a party official said. It outlines the reasons for his decision, including the death of his father, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and a long struggle with addiction.

Actually, the Wall Street Journal gets it right. Kennedy's message is a thank-you note to the people of Rhode Island and his family. He never specifically says why he decided not to run for another term.

This will be the first time in a half-century that Congress will not include a Kennedy.

That's an interesting bit of trivia, but it really doesn't mean anything.

You don't have to be in Congress to be of service or make a difference. You don't have to hold elected office to work for justice.

I hope Patrick Kennedy manages to get his life together.

Here's his video message: