Freshman Kennedy Loses Contest for House Panel Seat

Freshman Rep. Joseph Kennedy II (D-Mass.) lost to Rep. Chester Atkins (D-Mass.) in a contest today within the New England Democratic Caucus for a coveted seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee.

The committee seat is available because of the retirement of Rep. Edward Boland (D-Mass.). Under House tradition a vacancy is typically filled by a member from the same state as the retiring or defeated member.

Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) reportedly assisted the oldest son of his slain brother, Robert, in his bid to win a committee seat. Afterwards, Atkins, who is entering his third term, told reporters that he and young Kennedy are still friends and that he did not begrudge Kennedy using family ties to try to advance in the House structure.