Chris Kennedy Considers Entering Illinois Senate Race

Sneed has learned Chris Kennedy, son of the late U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy, may be this/close to entering the U.S. Senate sweepstakes from Illinois.

• To wit: “Right now, it’s an 85 percent chance Chris is going to do it,” a top Kennedy source tells Sneed. Kennedy has commissioned a poll, which is expected at the end of the week and “will give him a better lay of the land in this ever-changing race,” the source said.

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http://www.cdobs.com/archive/featured/chris-kennedy-considers-entereing-illinois-senate-race,17520

Service Bill Signing a Tribute to Kennedy

The event was attended by Republican and Democratic leaders, former president Bill Clinton, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Biden and his wife Jill and former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
But the signing ceremony for the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act this afternoon was really meant as a living tribute to the senior senator from Massachusetts, Edward M. Kennedy (D).
"Now, Ted's story and the story of his family is known to all," said President Obama during his remarks before signing the $5.7 billion national service bill. "It's a story of service. And it's also the story of America -- of hard work and sacrifice of generation after generation. Some called upon to give more than others, but each committed to the idea that we can make tomorrow better than today. I wouldn't be standing here today if not for the service of others, or for the purpose that service gave my own life."
Kennedy spoke enthusiastically about the act as he introduced Obama. "This is a wonderful day," Kennedy said, "when all of our country and all Americans will now have a chance to, and the opportunity to, give back to their community, the nation that we love so much."
Former secretary of State Colin Powell, who was seated down on the front row during the ceremony, said, "Senator Ted Kennedy deserves all of the credit for this, but it also reflects President Obama's commitment to service, getting more and more Americans involved in solving these problems."
The event took place at the SEED School, a District high school where students live on campus that is located at Burns and C street SE. At one time the corner was a perilous intersection filled with gun fire from drug dealers roaming in old sedans. Parents kept their kids off the playground in 1992 when a 5-year-old child was killed in a hail of bullets meant for others.
But in 2001, Rajiv Vinnakota brokered a deal with the District to build the SEED School for college-bound District teenagers.
Obama, flanked by Kennedy and Clinton, said the school was an inspiration. The headmaster, Charles Adams, is a former AmeriCorps worker. "This school is a true success story -- a place where for four of the last five years, every graduate from the SEED School was admitted to college -- every graduate," Obama said.
School officials recounted the school's impact proudly. "In 1992 on this campus a five year old girl was shot by stray gunfire," Vinnakota said. "In 1997, the school building was set on fire, there were 25 other fires and the building was closed. In 2001, we started the SEED School and since that time 98 percent of our students have gone onto college."
Dressed in his blue blazer and khaki trousers, Cordell Mimms, a 10th grader at the SEED School, said the event was "reinforcement that somebody really believes in you."
But the dignitaries said it was the students who were inspiring. In addition to a host of lawmakers from Capitol Hill, the event brought out R&B sensation Usher, who drew more attention than the politicians.
"The fact that every child that leaves this school at least makes it to college is exceptional," Usher said. "Service has been important part of many of our presidents' agenda and the fact that President Barack Obama signed this bill into law is only part of the process."

Go to:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/04/21/service_bill_signing_a_tribute.html?wprss=44

Caroline Kennedy Reportedly Won't Be U.S. Ambassador To Vatican

The luck of the Irish hasn't been with Caroline Kennedy's mid-life political aspirations as news emerges that the daughter of slain President Jack F. Kennedy might have been rebuffed by the Holy See in her bid to become U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican.
The Catholic mother of two daughters and a son has spent much of her life out of the limelight that surrounds her family that has always had a large number of politicians. Yet Kennedy, who has spent years working for charities, was never known for being politically active. That is until last year when her children persuaded her to support and campaign for Barack Obama's presidential bid.
Since President Obama's election, Kennedy has let it be known that she wanted a political role. She was reportedly considered for nomination to the Senate seat U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton vacated, but Caroline pulled out her name from consideration for personal reasons.
Obama was reportedly considering Kennedy for the ambassador post to the Vatican. However, the Vatican has made it plain that they don't like Obama's stand on stem cell research and abortion. That means the Holy See would be less than comfortable with Kennedy serving as ambassador because she is pro-choice.
Kennedy is the great, great-granddaughter of Irish Catholic immigrants, her father was the nation's 35th president, many of her other relatives have held political office, including her uncle Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA), who is known as the Lion of the Senate.

Go to: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7014769019

GW Cancer Gala to honor Sen. Ted Kennedy

The University will honor Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and two others at the Sixth Annual Cancer Gala hosted by Wolf Blitzer on April 25 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Kennedy, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer, will receive the Cancer Compassion Award for his involvement in pushing for affordable health care on Capitol Hill. Additionally, professor of radiology Rachel Brem will be awarded the Commitment to Overcoming Cancer Award for her work as director of breast imaging and intervention at the GW Medical Center, and breast cancer survivor Jeanette Michael will receive the Spirit of Life Award.
"There is nothing we do as a Board that exceeds this gala," said Chairman of the GW Board of Trustees Russell Ramsey. "All of us have been affected some way or another by a friend or family member having cancer, so it is important to contribute and participate."
At the Board of Trustees meeting last March, trustees praised Kennedy's 47 years of service in the Senate.
"As you can imagine over his tenure, [Kennedy] has had many accomplishments," trustee Mark Hughes said at the March Board meeting.
Proceeds from the gala will aid comprehensive cancer programs in the D.C. area.
"I can't think of anything the school does where funds really are used to promote educational programs like this one," trustee Allan From said. "We as a Board need to celebrate this most worthwhile endeavor."
Blitzer, host of CNN's "The Situation Room," will be the emcee for the evening and live entertainment will be provided by Grammy award-winning musician Al Petteway and Amy White.
The event is chaired by University President Steven Knapp and Sen. Michael Enzi, R-Wyo., and hosted by University Provost and Vice President of Health Affairs John Williams. Tickets to attend the gala cost $500 and can be purchased at gwcancergala.org.

Go to:
http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2009/04/13/News/Gw.Cancer.Gala.To.Honor.Sen.Ted.Kennedy-3707407.shtml

Vatican rejects Kennedy diplomat role

ITALIAN MEDIA sources last weekend reported that the Holy See has rejected the possible appointment of Caroline Kennedy as US Ambassador to the Vatican.
Milan-based daily Il Giornale, owned by the family of Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, said that the Vatican has rejected three possible choices by the Obama government for the post of US ambassador, including that of Caroline Kennedy, daughter of John F Kennedy.
Il Giornale claims that the appointment of a new US ambassador to succeed Mary Ann Glendon has proved difficult because of the “strained” relations between the White House and the Holy See, which has been less than enamoured of Barack Obama’s public support for both abortion and stem cell research.
US media reports suggested that Ms Kennedy had originally been proposed to Mr Obama for the job by Democratic senator John Kerry by way of reward for her support for the president during last year’s election campaign.
However, one former US ambassador to the Vatican, Ray Flynn, speaking to the Boston Herald last week, argued that Ms Kennedy’s support for abortion made her an unsuitable choice.
“It’s imperative, it’s essential that the person who represents us to the Holy See be a person who has pro-life values,” he said.
“She said she was pro-choice. I don’t assume she’s going to change that, which is problematic.”
The White House has refused to comment, while senior Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi yesterday denied that the Holy See had blocked any potential appointments, saying that no proposals for the job had yet been made to the Vatican.

Go to:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0413/1224244556984.html

Caroline Kennedy-to-Vatican rumor sparks Catholic outrage

Reaction to Caroline Kennedy’s potential appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican continued to sour yesterday as one conservative Catholic group called the possible nomination “a calculated insult to the Holy See.”
“It’s inappropriate to appoint someone who pretends to be a Catholic but rejects the fundamental teachings of the Church,” said C.J. Doyle, executive director of the Massachusetts Catholic Action League.
Buzz continued unabated yesterday that Kennedy was under consideration by President Obama for the post, despite the fact she is pro-choice. U.S. Catholic officials are closely scrutinizing the appointment.
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Raymond L. Flynn told the Herald on Wednesday the strong pro-choice stance taken by JFK’s daughter is “problematic,” and giving her the Vatican appointment would be “a mistake.”
Attempts to reach Caroline Kennedy have been unsuccessful, and a spokeswoman from U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s office declined to comment.
According to Italian publications, U.S. Sen. John Kerry has asked Obama to consider Caroline Kennedy for the ambassadorship. Kerry’s office declined to comment.
Kennedy has laid low since her failed bid to win appointment to Hillary Clinton’s New York Senate seat earlier this year.

Go to:
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view.bg?articleid=1164688

It’s puppy love for the first family

The first family has settled on a first pet - a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog that the Obama girls are naming Bo.
The dog is a gift from Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), who owns several Portuguese water dogs.
“We couldn’t be happier to see the joy that Bo is bringing to Malia and Sasha,” Kennedy said in a statement. “We love our Portuguese water dogs and know that the girls - and their parents - will love theirs, too.”
The selection was one of the White House’s most tightly kept secrets.
President Barack Obama’s daughters, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, picked a black and white pup.
Obama’s daughters chose the name Bo for the pup because first lady Michelle Obama’s father was nicknamed Diddley. The name for the dog was an apparent reference to the singer “Bo” Diddley.
White House aides told the AP that the office of the first lady arranged an exclusive deal on the dog story with the Post. The officials, who demanded anonymity because of the deal with the Post on exclusive details, said the dog was not in the White House as of Saturday evening.
Throughout the day Saturday, celebrity Web sites and bloggers were abuzz with rumors of the first family’s selection of a Portuguese water dog; one site even claimed it had pictures of the future first pet.
The president had embraced the frenzy: “Oh, man, now, that’s top secret,” Obama joked Friday to reporters.
Obama promised his daughters a puppy during the campaign.
“This is Washington. That was a campaign promise,” Obama said when he appeared on Jay Leno’s talk show last month, as the audience roared with laughter. “No, I’m teasing. The dog will be there shortly.”
The president and first lady had said their choice was down to either a Portuguese water dog or a Labradoodle because they were considered good pets for children who have allergies, as Malia does.

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http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view.bg?articleid=1165222

A pitch-er perfect day for Ted Kennedy

It wasn’t a blistering pitch, but Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s Opening Day toss yesterday reached back generations.
“I remember coming here with my brothers. It brings back a lot of emotion, a lot of feelings,” Kennedy told the Herald moments after he left Fenway’s fabled field.
“It’s a moment I’ll never forget,” the ailing Bay State senior senator said of his first pitch lobbed to Jim Rice, who was voted into the Hall of Fame in the offseason.
The 77-year-old Democrat, who is battling brain cancer, was given a warm welcome by the sellout crowd of 37,057 that braved a chilly day to catch a thrilling 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Yesterday’s Opening Day - part carnival, part communal - had fans sporting baseball gloves and winter gloves. The beer was cold and the coffee hot and nobody complained.

(...)

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http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1164235&format=text

Ted Kennedy & Co. throw support behind Red Sox

It was a Kennedy family affair yesterday at Fenway Park [map], where a smiling Sen. Ted Kennedy braved the blustery Red Sox [team stats] opener in a luxury box over home plate with a pack of his nearest and dearest.
The senior senator, who earlier tossed out the ceremonial first pitch to Sox legend Jim Rice, was bundled up in his red team jacket as he took in the Olde Towne Team’s 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays with his wife, Vicki, son U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, niece Caroline Kennedy and grandkids Ted Kennedy III, 11, Grace Allen, 14, and Max Allen, 12.
Vicki told us that Ted Jr. and his wife, Kiki, would have made the trip, too, if they weren’t in Colorado with their daughter, Kiley, 14, who is competing in the USASA Nationals snowboard competition on Copper Mountain . (Kiley rides for Vermont’s Mount Mansfield Snowboard Club .)
“She won a first and a third,” gushed Kiley’s step-gran, who also took in the game with Mayor Tom Menino .
During the fourth inning, team owners John Henry and Tom Werner appeared in Ted’s box to present him with a framed photo of his Opening Day pitch. Wow, those boys work fast!
Sadly - for the Track - the team took a pass on throwing an Opening Day pregame sushi-and-hot dog ’do in the Jordan’s Third Base Deck for austerity reasons this year. So scrounging up Boston notables was a helluva task! Many, we hear, did all their season opener, ahem, celebrating on Monday and couldn’t take another day off. (Et tu, Greg Hill?)
So with the exception of the Kennedy clan, the Boston boldfacers we saw at the old ballyard were the same ol, same ol’ crowd.

(...)

Go to:

http://news.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view/2009_04_08_main_track_story/srvc=home&position=also

Red Sox Call On Kennedy For 1st Pitch

Plans are in the works for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy to throw out the ceremonial first pitch when the Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays Monday afternoon at Fenway Park for the season-opener, The Boston Herald reported.
Kennedy has been battling brain cancer for the past year, but returned to Washington last week after spending much of the winter in Florida.
However, the weather forecast for Monday is for a cold, rainy day and it's not known if that might prevent Kennedy from appearing.
Kennedy’s day-to-day schedule is sometimes uncertain because of his health. When the senator addressed the Democratic National Convention last August, his appearance was not definite until he actually took the stage.
He now walks slowly, often using a cane and his voice is sometimes not as strong as in the past.

Go to:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/19098403/detail.html

Kennedy pushes Sebelius nomination

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, citing his own battle with brain cancer, came out forcefully yesterday for Kathleen Sebelius's nomination as health and human services secretary.
"Few debates in Congress touch our lives as profoundly and personally as healthcare. Over the past 10 months, I've seen our healthcare system up close," Kennedy said, his hands shaking slightly.
"I've benefited from the best of medicine," he said, presiding at a hearing for Sebelius, who he said had the "vision, the skill, and the knowledge" to shepherd the healthcare overhaul. "But we have too many uninsured Americans. We have sickness care and not healthcare. . . . Costs are out of control. But today we have an opportunity like never before to reform our healthcare."
Toward the end of the hearing, Kennedy asked Sebelius to affirm support for cancer research. She did.
Sebelius, the Kansas governor and early supporter of President Obama, said she backs his call for giving Americans the option of government-run health insurance as an alternative to private coverage.
The proposal for a public plan that would compete with private insurers has emerged as the most divisive issue as Obama seeks to overhaul the health system to reduce costs and shrink the ranks of 48 million uninsured. Republicans fear that the competing plan would drive some private insurers out of business.
"If the question is, 'Do I support a public option side by side with private insurers?' " Sebelius said, "Yes, I do."
The exchange with Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate, was perhaps the most heated in a low-key hearing. Sebelius pledged that if confirmed, "health reform would be my mission."
"Inaction is not an option. The status quo is unacceptable, and unsustainable," said Sebelius, citing high healthcare costs that she said were hurting families and crippling the economy.
Saying she would be a tough enforcer, Sebelius also called for a crackdown on medical fraud as part of any healthcare overhaul. "Having a few strike operations may be the most effective way to send the signal that there's a new sheriff in town, and I intend to take this very, very seriously," she told the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
While Obama has pushed for healthcare overhaul, lawmakers have questioned how the administration would pay for the plan. Sebelius didn't offer a specific solution, but said the approach must be comprehensive.
Sebelius did cite Kennedy's home state of Massachusetts, where a pioneering 2006 law requires nearly everyone to carry insurance or face fines. Policy makers there decided to extend coverage first, and deal with costs later. Now costs are ballooning. The lesson, Sebelius said, is costs and coverage must be dealt with in concert.
Sebelius is Obama's second pick to head the department. Former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle withdrew from consideration while apologizing for failing to pay $140,000 in taxes and interest.
Sebelius alerted senators in a letter yesterday that she has corrected three years worth of tax returns after finding "unintentional errors" involving charitable contributions, the sale of a home, and business expenses.
In the letter obtained by the Associated Press, she says she and her husband paid a total of $7,040 in back taxes and $878 in interest for 2005 to 2007.
Obama also wanted Daschle to head the White House Office for Health Reform, but when he dropped out, a separate White House health czar was named.
Sebelius's background on healthcare includes blocking an insurance company merger in Kansas while insurance commissioner in 2001. She has faced opposition from conservatives over her support for abortion rights, but senators didn't raise that issue yesterday.
The health committee won't actually vote on sending Sebelius's nomination to the full Senate. That job falls to the Senate Finance Committee, which will hold her confirmation hearing tomorrow.

Go to:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/04/01/kennedy_pushes_sebelius_nomination/