Taking Down a Kennedy is "Republicans Dream Come True," Says Top Political Expert Lawless

Taking Down a Kennedy is "Republicans Dream Come True," Says Top Political Expert Lawless

One of the highest-profile political races in the country this November features a member of the Kennedy family and a top Trump supporter.

University of Virginia Political Science Chair Jennifer Lawless appeared on GoLocal LIVE where she talked about the latest in national politics, including Amy Kennedy’s primary win this week in New Jersey — and what to look for next. 

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“Everybody was watching [this race] for a couple of reasons,” said Lawless. “First, the Kennedy name is obviously still of interest to people, regardless of whether they live in the district but second this was a multi-million dollar house in race — in a primary. It’s unclear whether Amy Kennedy’s namer per se got her any votes but her connections to the Kennedy family and Patrick Kennedy’s previous donors and political network certainly helped her and ultimately she substantially outspent her opponent.” Patrick Kennedy represented Rhode Island in Congress for more than a decade.

Kennedy now faces Jeff Van Drew who was initially elected to the 2nd District Congressional seat as a Democrat but switched to the Republican party — and currently represents the district. Van Drew is a strong supporter of President Donald Trump.

“This is an opponent who’s a party switcher which we don’t see that frequently and what that really means is that this district is up in the air,” said Lawless. 

“It’s important to keep in mind that the Republicans have their eyes on this district. Even though the primary was hotly contested and even though there were stories questioning campaign contributions and the extent to which Patrick Kennedy’s connections sort of sealed the deal, that’s going to be nothing compared to when it comes to the National Republican Committee trying to take down a Kennedy,” she said. “Trying to take down a Kennedy is the Republicans dream come true.”

Dynasty Implications

“I think Joe Kennedy’s Senate race [in Massachusetts] is far much more meaningful for the dynasty,” said Lawless. “The Amy Kennedy race is different for a couple of reasons. First it’s New Jersey where the Kennedys never really had a strong foothold — the just happens to be where she’s from and Patrick Kennedy ultimately moved when he married her. Second, Patrick Kennedy chose to leave Congress and so his absence from the chamber is not seen as a defeat in any way. It was a matter of personal circumstance and the idea he didn’t want to run for re-election, so this isn’t about him trying to get back in.”

“The Joe Kennedy Senate race though is an opportunity for the Kennedys to demonstrate that the next generation really can rise to the highest positions of political leadership, and the fact he’s opting to do it in a competitive primary against a relatively popular longtime incumbent makes the stakes higher,” she added.