By ANDY SOLTIS
May 22, 2008
Ted Kennedy's Senate seat has been in his family for all but two years since 1953 - and could remain there well into the future, since nephew Joseph heads a list of possible successors.
Joseph Kennedy II is the focus of intense speculation in Massachusetts following Ted's cancer diagnosis, which could lead to a special election if the 76-year-old Democrat dies or resigns.
For 12 years, Joe, the son of Robert F. Kennedy, held a Boston-area House seat. That seat was formerly held by his uncle, John F. Kennedy, and later by Speaker Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill.
Joe had been expected to run for the Bay State governorship in 2002 but abandoned his campaign amid family troubles.
The name of Ted Kennedy's son Patrick, a seven-term Rhode Island congressman, has also been raised as a possible Senate candidate. But he would have to deal with his own past problems, including a stint in drug rehab.
