Your gift counts double until 5/31: $29,040 to go in our Easter Campaign. Please help now!

Kennedy who clashed with Bishop Tobin will not run for reelection

CWN - February 12, 2010

Rep. Patrick Kennedy, the Rhode Island Catholic congressman whom Bishop Thomas Tobin publicly called to “conversion and repentance” because of his support for abortion, has decided not to run for reelection. Referring to his father, the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, the congressman said that “illness took the life of my most cherished mentor and confidant, my ultimate source of spirit and strength.”

Kennedy said that the death of his father, Sen. Edward Kennedy, last year led to "soul-searching" that ended with his decision to leave public office. However the announcement that he would not seek re-election came soon after the release of poll figures showing that the Rhode Island lawmaker was viewed unfavorably by 56% of the people in his congressional district, and only 35% said that they woud support him for another term.

Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Easter Campaign:
Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($29,040 to go):
$80,000.00 $50,959.70
36% 64%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 3 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: TheJournalist64 - Feb. 12, 2010 6:30 PM ET USA

    Having shown their true colors in the last year, Democrats, especially Catholic Democrats, realize the exit door is their best option.

  • Posted by: New Sister - Feb. 12, 2010 3:08 PM ET USA

    How sad that a Catholic man would publicly state that a creature (i.e., his father) was his "ultimate source of spirit and inspiration”...we must pray for Mr. Kennedy to find this in our Blessed Lord Jesus alone.

  • Posted by: Minnesota Mary - Feb. 12, 2010 12:51 PM ET USA

    Perhaps Bishop Tobin made Patrick Kennedy realize that by voting against Church teachings, in order to hold his seat, his soul was in severe jeopardy. Pray that repentance and a firm amendment to change were Kennedy's reasons for not seeking re-election.

Catholic World News Email Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Learning from the sick, and from the death of a child May 17
The case for change in Irish abortion law: based on a framework of falsehood May 17
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Too many missing funds: Catholic institutions need tighter financial controls May 16
What capitalists should learn from the Pope's critique May 16

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life CWN - May 8