Will A Kennedy Replace Barney Frank?

Joseph P. Kennedy III is refusing to rule out a 2012 run at the U.S. House seat to be vacated by 16-term legend Rep. Barney Frank. Kennedy is the grand-nephew of JFK.

“I think virtually everyone I know assumes at some point he’s going to be a candidate,” said Democratic strategist Michael Goldman. “No question he’s incredibly articulate. His entrance in the race would change the dynamic dramatically. He’d be the only candidate with a significant name recognition. ... The real question is: Is this the race that is a good place to run?” Kennedy didn’t rule out a run for Congress yesterday as he did last year when political scuttlebutt had him eyeing the seat vacated by U.S. Rep. William Delahunt. And one source close to the family insisted Kennedy is seriously mulling throwing his hat in the ring.

Kennedy is presently a prosecutor for Massachusetts' Middlesex County. (Tipped by JMG reader Mike.)