Joseph P Kennedy II

  United States Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy II is a Democratice representative from the

State of Massachusetts.  He represents the district formerly represented by Thomas  "Tip"

O'Neil, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States.  His formal

education includes a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts in l976.  He is

married to the former Beth Kelly and is the father of two children.  His father was the late

Senator Robert Kennedy of New York and his uncle was the late President John F. Kennedy.

      Congressman Kennedy's political background includes a strong family history in public

service.  Upon his graduation, his occupation was to form a non profit company devoted to

providing heating oil at affordable prices for the poor and the working poor.  He successfully

manged this company before being elected to Congress in l986.  His interests in Congress

have included affordable health care, as well centering on price fixing issues in the home heating

oil industry.  He has also been mentioned for national office due to the prominence of his surname

and his activities in the national Democratic party.

       Joseph Kennedy has shown himself to be politically to the left of the Democratic party

in Congress.  While his district includes both blue collar workers and the elite of Cambridge,

he has demonstrated a committment to liberal postions on welfare, labor issues, and taxation.

If he were to become a national figure,  the suspicion is that he might move slightly toward a

more moderate political position in order to enhance his national appeal.