TONIGHT: Massachusetts Democrats Rally To Thank Late Senator Ted Kennedy

The Wall Street Journal reports:

The Massachusetts Democratic Party has invited supporters to gather at 8 tonight at the historic Boston Common to say, “Thank you, Teddy and celebrate today’s Supreme Court ruling!” “Teddy,” of course, refers to the late Edward Kennedy, a longtime Democratic Massachusetts senator who called providing health care for all, the nation’s great “unfinished business.” “Today, Teddy Kennedy’s vision of health care reform for all Americans survived its toughest challenge,” John Walsh, chairman of the state’s Democratic Party wrote in an email, summoning supporters to the event at Boston’s famous public park. “He’s not with us today to celebrate, but I hope he is smiling down on us.”

A Twitter-swarm is also taking place today with the hashtag #ThankYouTeddy.

The Day Ted Kennedy Died...

In the Breitbart obituary post, commenter LACA reminds of the above.

Photo Of The Day - Kennedy Grave Note

Upon the approval of the health care reform bill, Rep. Patrick Kennedy left the following note on his father's grave: "Dad, the unfinished business is done."

Excuse me, I have something in my eyes....

Martha Coakley Wins Primary In Special Election To Replace Ted Kennedy

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has won the Democratic primary to replace Ted Kennedy in the U.S. Senate.

The victory came at a critical time for President Barack Obama's Democratic Party, which is counting on maintaining its 60-seat majority in the 100-member Senate as the body wrestles with legislation for a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system. Coakley, 56, will face Republican state legislator Scott Brown in the January 19 election for the legendary Senate seat, which Edward Kennedy took over from his older brother, President John F. Kennedy. Coakley is heavily favored to win and to serve the rest of Kennedy's term in the Senate, which will run through 2012. The liberal New England state has not elected a Republican to the Senate in almost 40 years, though it has had a Republican governor for most of the past two decades. "The election is over," said Jeffrey Berry, a professor of political science at Tufts University. "We have to vote in January, but the outcome is preordained. Coakley will win."

In July Coakley filed a suit against the federal government claiming that DOMA discriminates against the citizens of her state, making her an instant favorite among LGBT activists.

Kennedy Aide Picked As Replacement

Paul Kirk, a longtime aide to Ted Kennedy, has been chosen by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to be Kennedy's interim replacement in the U.S. Senate.

Kirk was a longtime senior aide to Kennedy and served as chairman of the national Democratic Party in the late 1980s. Patrick is to announce his selection for the Senate seat at 11 a.m. at the Statehouse in Boston. One of the two sources who told CNN that Patrick will name Kirk is close to the Kennedy family. Two Kennedy family associates told CNN on Wednesday that Kirk is the family's favorite to fill his vacant Senate seat, and that the late senator's sons have relayed this view to Patrick. One source said Kennedy's widow, Vicki Kennedy, was among the family members supporting a Kirk appointment. The appointment would give Democrats a crucial 60th vote in the Senate as the chamber weighs President Obama's health care proposal. Massachusetts lawmakers voted Wednesday to approve a measure giving Patrick the power to appoint an interim replacement for Kennedy until a new election can be held.

Kirk will have a short run - the special election primary to pick Kennedy's full-time replacement is December 8th.

Without Ted, What Now For DADT?

What will happen to the overturn of DADT, now that its lead Senate sponsor is gone?

“Sen. Kennedy is the lead sponsor of the bill; obviously with his illness, those issues , any number of issues that he was the leader of are complicated by his absence,” David Scott, vice president of the Human Rights Campaign, which lobbies for gay rights. Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, whose main goal is to end the policy, said that Kennedy’s illnesses “accounted for some of the delay in the introduction” of the bill, but said they were continuing to talk with other Democratic senators and hoped to have a bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate in the fall. About 18 months ago, Kennedy told Sarvis’ group and gay-rights activists that he wanted to be the lead sponsor of a bill to repeal the current law — but first he wanted to get some Republican support. “He felt very strongly about it being bipartisan,” Sarvis said. Kennedy never ended up introducing a bill this Congress, and now it’ll be up to another Senate Democrat to step up to push the controversial issue.

Sen. Kristen Gillibrand still has a commitment from the chairman of the Senate Armed Services committee to hold a hearing on DADT some time this fall. Other than that...

Mass AG (And DOMA Opponent) Martha Coakley To File For Kennedy's Seat

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, who in July filed a federal challenge to DOMA, is the first candidate to request paperwork for the special January election to replace the late Ted Kennedy in the U.S. Senate.

Ms. Coakley, 56, who has not officially announced her candidacy, is required to gather 10,000 valid signatures by Oct. 20 to participate in the Dec. 8 primary. The special election for Mr. Kennedy’s seat will be held Jan. 19. The state legislature is to hold a hearing on Sept. 9 on Senator Kennedy’s request, made shortly before his death, that it change the law and allow Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint an interim senator. Mr. Patrick is a Democrat. Other people who have been mentioned as possible contenders for Mr. Kennedy’s seat include his widow, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, although people close to the family have said she is not interested; Mr. Kennedy’s nephew former United States Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II; former United States Representatives Michael E. Capuano, Steven F. Lynch and Edward J. Markey; and former United States Representative Martin T. Meehan, who retired in 2007 to become the chancellor at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.

Coakley seems like a very strong contender, but we all know how Massachusetts feels about any Kennedy, should former Rep. Joseph II decide to run.

Who Will Replace Ted?

Sen. Orrin Hatch thinks it should be his wife.

"TeddyCare For All"

As Sen. Ted Kennedy was being memorialized in Massachusetts yesterday, about 1000 New Yorkers rallied in his name in Times Square for health care reform. Will Kennedy's death help move the battle forward?

(Via - Gothamist)

Photo Of The Day

The Clintons, the Dubyas, the Obamas, the Bidens, and the Carters sat together at today's memorial for Sen. Ted Kennedy. The elder Bushes elected not to attend, which seems odd.

Obama's Eulogy For Sen. Ted Kennedy

President Obama delivered a moving tribute to Sen. Ted Kennedy at Kennedy's memorial in Massachusetts today.

Ted Kennedy: LGBT Activists React

I've reached out to noted LGBT leaders and activists, requesting their reactions to the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy. Below are some of the responses so far, presented in no particular order. Please return to this post later in the day as more messages come in.

John Aravosis, activist and AmericaBlog founder:

"I pretty much came out, politically, thanks to Ted Kennedy. His staff let me work out of his office, evenings and weekends, on gay rights causes (e.g., DADT, ENDA) while I was still closeted and working for a Republican Senator. They then vouched for me to the Children's Defense Fund, landing me a job there, and starting my work in Internet activism. What I'm doing today is a very real result of what Ted Kennedy did for me in 1993-94."

David Mixner, activist and former Clinton advisor:

"As a writer, words simply fail me this morning. The Senator has been a personal friend for over three decades and I am devastated. Heaven is richer today and we all are poorer. Will miss his laughter, his personal teasing and his joy of song. Today, without a doubt, the world lost one of its greatest champions for equality and peace."

Lane Hudson, activist and blogger:

"Ted Kennedy was an old school politician who was forward thinking enough to have been a longtime hero that championed equality long before many others. I was devastated to wake up this morning to a world without him. This nation and its people are substantially better because of Ted Kennedy and he is sorely missed."

Jeremy Hooper, activist and Good As You blogger:

"My first real exposure to Sen. Kennedy was in the early 1990's, when a junior high teacher defined his role in American politics by citing Chappaquiddick, failed presidential aspirations, and controversy. It took me the next decade to fully re-educate myself about Ted's true triumphs, and to realize that those triumphs are the very reason why some conservatives (like my teacher) wanted to mask his worth behind a cloud of scandal. The truth is that our community has never known a greater senatorial ally. And by 'our community,' I mean Americans."

Pam Spaulding, activist and Pam's House Blend editor:

"The lion has passed, but even when ill, Senator Kennedy cared deeply that his legacy as a voice of equality for all will live on in the work of others. My heart goes out to his family."

Peter Staley, AIDS activist and Poz.com blogger:

"People with AIDS have had very few friends fighting for us on Capitol Hill, but from day one we had its most effective legislator on our side. I'm convinced Ted Kennedy saved many, many lives, and protected all of us from being steamrolled by the hatred others tried to stir up. He saved us from the worst of others' indifference or bigotry, making men like Reagan and Helms seem small. Who will fight for us now?"

Bil Browning, activist and Bilerico Project editor:

"Living in Indiana, I became accustomed to hearing Sen Ted Kennedy cursed as a 'Massachusetts liberal' more often than praised for the tireless work he did on behalf of the poor, the downtrodden, and the powerless. Senator Kennedy's reach extended well beyond the liberal vs conservative dichotomy so pervasive in American politics; he served as a bellwether for the future of our country's support of the common citizen. Indiana's LGBT community joins with the rest of the nation in mourning the loss of a staunch ally and supporter who constantly fought on our behalf."

Michelangele Signorile, activist and SiriusXM host:

"He battled the right-wing vigorously during the 80s in trying to get funding for AIDS/HIV research and basic care, in the face of a negligent government in the grip of religious extremists. He championed LGBT civil rights early on, and whether it was hate crimes laws or marriage, he was always out front in the Senate and in political life, showing leadership and bringing others along. I'm enormously grateful to him for helping to bring our issues into the mainstream and taking the ridicule and attacks from the far right over the years -- almost daily, from hate radio to the Internet -- because he took a courageous stand. Thank you, Senator."

Human Right Campaign president Joe Solmonese:

“The nation has lost its greatest champion and strongest voice for justice, fairness, and compassion. The loss to our community is immeasurable. There was no greater hero for advocates of LGBT equality than Senator Ted Kennedy. From the early days of the AIDS epidemic , to our current struggle for marriage equality he has been our protector, our leader, our friend. He has been the core of the unfinished quest for civil rights in this country and there is now a very painful void. Our hearts go out to the Kennedy family."

NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn:

“He has been called the lion of the Senate and indeed he was just that. The first time I saw him speak in public was in the early 1990’s when we were both at a dinner for the Empire State Pride Agenda. As he had done so many times before, Senator Kennedy was there to offer his voice and his support to a movement for equality. And what a voice. He had a gregarious way about him that brought all in the room to our feet and made us laugh; but, when it came to the matter at hand, his thunderous words echoed throughout the hall with an awesome force. It was one of the rare moments that I found myself speechless. To have Senator Kennedy stand with the LGBT community that night so many years ago, and on countless occasions since then, is an honor that has given me an added determination that I will always carry with me."

Rea Carey, executive director, National Gay & Lesbian Task Force:

“The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force mourns the loss of Senator Edward Kennedy, a true champion of the people and a dear friend to our community. The senator was a hero to many across the country and around the world. He spent his life fighting for justice for working people, people of color, children, women, LGBT people, immigrants, people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS and so many others who looked to his leadership for a more just society. Senator Kennedy was unmatched in his compassion and in his willingness to stand with those who often lacked a champion. Even after his death, his vision will inspire generations to work for the health, welfare and equality for all he so doggedly pursued. We offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”

Mara Keisling, executive director, National Center for Transgender Equality:

"Senator Kennedy's work in the Senate directly impacted transgender people because of his advocacy on our behalf. He understood that equality as a principle was only valuable when it truly extended to all people. But he also improved our lives in other, less obvious ways, like championing an increase in the minimum wage and insisting on the need for fair health care coverage. We will feel his loss, without any doubt, but we will also continue to benefit from his legacy for generations to come."

Kennedy At 2008 DNC Convention

Sen. Ted Kennedy Dead At 77

Ted Kennedy, friend and hero to LGBT folks, people with HIV/AIDS, minorities, the disabled, liberals, and progressives over his decades in the U.S. Senate, succumbed to brain cancer late Tuesday night at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. This is a tremendous loss for the nation, losing what many Americans, including myself, consider to have been the greatest elected official of our lifetimes. We salute you, Mr. Kennedy. Every gay person in America owes you our everlasting gratitude.

Ted Kennedy Wants His Replacement Chosen Quickly

Sen. Ted Kennedy is worried that he will die or be too ill to vote on health care fall this fall and has asked the Massachusetts legislature to speed up the process for replacing him.

Kennedy’s request comes in the midst of the heated national debate over health care, which has been the senior senator’s focus in Congress for decades. He does not address his battle with brain cancer in a letter to Gov. Deval Patrick and state leaders, but Kennedy does signal his struggle could be nearing an end. “I am now writing to you about an issue that concerns me deeply - the continuity of representation for Massachusetts should a Senate vacancy occur,” Kennedy wrote in July 2 letter to Patrick, state Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. In the letter, Kennedy asks that legislation be passed to change a law adopted in 2004 to provide for a special election to choose a new U.S. Senator in the event of a vacancy.

The law Kennedy wants changed was instituted in 2004 to prevent then Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney from replacing Sen. John Kerry, who was then the Democratic presidential nominee.

This is another example, tragic as it is, of why I consider Ted Kennedy to be the greatest Senator of my lifetime.

RELATED: President Obama may visit Kennedy at his family compound in Hyannisport this week if the Senator's health allows it.

34 Senate Co-Sponsors Of Hate Crimes Act

A whopping 34 U.S. Senators have already signed on as co-sponsors of Ted Kennedy's hate crimes bill. This bodes very well.

Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI], Sen Bayh, Evan [IN], Sen Bingaman, Jeff [NM], Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA], Sen Brown, Sherrod [OH], Sen Cantwell, Maria [WA], Sen Cardin, Benjamin L. [MD], Sen Casey, Robert P., Jr. [PA], Sen Collins, Susan M. [ME], Sen Dodd, Christopher J. [CT], Sen Durbin, Richard [IL], Sen Feinstein, Dianne [CA], Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [NY], Sen Harkin, Tom [IA], Sen Johnson, Tim [SD], Sen Kerry, John F. [MA], Sen Klobuchar, Amy [MN], Sen Landrieu, Mary L. [LA], Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. [NJ], Sen Leahy, Patrick J. [VT], Sen Levin, Carl [MI], Sen Lieberman, Joseph I. [CT] , Sen Merkley, Jeff [OR], Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. [MD], Sen Murray, Patty [WA], Sen Nelson, Bill [FL], Sen Nelson, E. Benjamin [NE] ,Sen Reed, Jack [RI] , Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY], Sen Shaheen, Jeanne [NH], Sen Snowe, Olympia J. [ME], Sen Specter, Arlen [PA], Sen Udall, Mark [CO] , Sen Whitehouse, Sheldon [RI]

The Senate Judiciary Committee may consider the bill as early as next week. Upon approval, they will send it to the full Senate for a vote.

Hate Crimes Bill Passes U.S. House!

After hours of contentious debate during which GOP members of the House parroted numerous lies funneled to them by the American Family Association, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HR 1913) passed by a vote of 249-175. Democrats opposing: 17. Republicans in favor: 18.

Yesterday Sen. Ted Kennedy introduced a Senate version of the bill. President Obama has promised to sign the bill when it reaches his desk. That will likely be the first of his many promises to the LGBT community to come to fruition.

Two great victories for movement in one day!

Caroline Kennedy Withdraws From Clinton Seat Consideration

UPDATE: Although this is the top story on the NYT site at this writing, other news outlets are saying Kennedy may still be a candidate.

Citing health concerns for her uncle Sen. Ted Kennedy, who collapsed yesterday during the inauguration, Caroline Kennedy is withdrawing her bid for Hillary Clinton's seat.

On Wednesday she called Gov. David A. Paterson, who will choose a successor to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Her concerns about Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s deteriorating health (he was hospitalized after suffering a seizure during President Obama’s inaugural lunch on Tuesday ) prompted her decision to withdraw, this person said. Coping with her uncle’s condition was her most important priority, a situation not conducive to starting a high profile public job.

Ms. Kennedy believed that the job was hers if she would accept it, the person said. A spokeswoman for Mr. Paterson had no immediate comment. Ms. Kennedy was planning to issue a statement on Wednesday evening. Ms. Kennedy’s decision comes nearly two months after she, along with several members of Congress and leading political officials, began auditioning to replace Mrs. Clinton in the coveted position. Her decision to withdraw is certain to startle the political world. Ms. Kennedy had gained the support of some powerful backers in the state, including several labor officials and a top aide to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Kevin Sheekey.

NY Gov. Paterson had said earlier today that he would announce his pick by Saturday, but it's not clear if he knew of Kennedy's withdrawal at that time.

Sen. Ted Kennedy Suffers Seizure At Inauguration Luncheon

Sen. Ted Kennedy suffered an apparent seizure at an inauguration luncheon. He was taken away by ambulance and was conscious when being carried out of the venue. More as it becomes known. Kennedy was treated for a brain tumor last year.

Ted Kennedy Speaks At The DNC

The greatest Senator of our lifetime did not disappoint. "Barack Obama will close the book on the old politics of race and gender and group against group and straight against gay." Hey, we got a shoutout! From the Wall Street Journal:

In a surprise, emotional appearance before adoring Democratic delegates, an ailing Sen. Edward Kennedy invoked the memory of his slain brother as he called on America to elect Barack Obama. "This November, the torch will be passed again to a new generation of Americans," he thundered in the voice that has rung from the Senate floor for 46 years.

And despite a grim diagnosis of brain cancer, Sen. Kennedy vowed to return to that chamber to help pass universal health care and other priorities. He has been there just once, in July, since he underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

"Together we have known success and seen setbacks, victory and defeat," he said. To applause, he added: "I pledge to you that I will be there next January on the floor of the United States Senate."

Sen. Kennedy's decision to endorse Sen. Obama this spring gave his campaign a major boost. Delegates in the convention hall greeted him with blue and white signs with a simple word printed in block letters: Kennedy. He stepped to the podium to chants of "Teddy, Teddy."