 U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy's famous last name has always guaranteed him a share of the public spotlight. But now, as he seeks to put his personal life and political career back on track after crashing his car and spending nearly a month in drug treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, the Rhode Island Democrat can expect the scrutiny to hit new levels. "He's always been under a microscope," said Jack McConnell, a longtime Kennedy friend and adviser. "Now it's turned up about as high as any human being can stand."
Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., agreed that the 38-year-old Kennedy faces a "difficult challenge" in the weeks and months ahead, but he is confident the congressman will prevail.
| In fact, he'd put money on it ... |
The six-term congressman is eager to put the storm of recent headlines behind him as he returned to Congress this week. Simply getting back to work should provide an immediate boost, Reed said. "He'll probably get a bit of tonic for just being back working," said Reed, who is among Kennedy's mentors. "That's a pretty good form of therapy."
| I don't imagine he's got much to worry about. The machine's too well-oiled, the voters too somnulent... |
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