Jan 28, 2008 6:30 pm US/Eastern
Kennedys Part Ways On Presidential Candidates
WASHINGTON (WJZ) ―
Campaign 2008 is taking another dramatic turn as America's premier political family takes sides in the Democratic presidential primary.
Pat Warren reports Maryland's Kathleen Kennedy Townsend has chosen Hillary Clinton, while uncle Ted and cousin Caroline endorse Barack Obama.
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend was feeling the energy of this political primary long before anybody went to the polls.
During a February interview with
Eyewitness News about her new book, she smiled on the field of candidates.
"We're very fortunate that we have great candidates who are running for president," said Kennedy-Townsend.
But Maryland's former Lieutenant Governor left no doubt about her choice to win.
"I'm supporting Hillary Clinton, so she's running, so she's winning," she said.
Bill Clinton campaigned on Townsend's behalf during her unsuccessful run for governor as did her uncle Teddy. But on Monday Teddy and John F. Kennedy's daughter Caroline both endorsed Obama.
"My uncle Teddy feels the same way, and I am proud to stand with him today. For more than four decades in the Senate, Teddy has led the fight on the most important issues in our time--civil rights, social justice and economic opportunity," said Caroline.
"I feel change in the air," said Ted.
Ted and Caroline invoke John Kennedy in their endorsements.
Kathleen, though, brings back the memory of her father Bobby Kennedy.
Kathleen adds that as a woman, leader, and person of deep convictions she believes Hillary Clinton would make the best choice for president.
She states that Clinton shares many of the concerns of her father.
Maryland's Democratic Chairman Michael Cryor says he expects a record primary turnout.
"Having a Kennedy both in the Obama camp and the Clinton camp certainly adds to what we think will be an exciting primary for us," said Cryor.
In previous primary results, the outcomes were already determined before Maryland held its primary. Now, the date has been moved up this year, and the party expects Democrats to break all records Feb. 12.
Democrat John Edwards is running third in the polls of Maryland voters.
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