BOSTON — Former U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, the eldest son of Robert F. Kennedy, announced Monday that he would not run for the U.S. Senate seat held for nearly 50 years by his uncle Edward Kennedy, who died Aug. 25.
In a statement, the former six-term congressman said he cares about those seeking decent housing, wages and health care. But he added: “The best way for me to contribute to those causes is by continuing my work at Citizens Energy Corp.” The nonprofit provides free heating oil to the poor, but Kennedy probably would have faced campaign questions about the fuel it received from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a persistent U.S. critic.
The decision is expected to widen the field of candidates for the late senator’s seat. Three veteran Massachusetts congressmen have said they are considering campaigns but would not run against a member of the Kennedy family.
