Kennedy who clashed with Bishop Tobin will not run for reelection
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.
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Further information:
- Kennedy: 'I will not be a candidate for reelection' (Providence Journal)
- End of the line for Patrick Kennedy (Boston Herald)
- Bishop Tobin publicly calls Rep. Kennedy to ‘conversion and repentance’ (CWN, 11/10/09)
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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.
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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.
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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.
