The scion of  one of America’s most famous political families said tonight he will not run for the senate seat currently held by Senator Joe Lieberman.   Ted Kennedy, Junior told reporters  he might run someday, but now is not the time.  In a brief interview with Channel 3’s Karen Lee, Kennedy cited his desire to be around for his two children as the reason for not running, saying “I have to finish that job.”  

He went on to say he has been encouraged by many people to run, and seemed pleased by a poll that showed him faring well.    That internal poll was taken by the campaign of Susan Bysiewicz, and showed her ahead, with Kennedy tied with Congressman Chris Murphy.    Kennedy added that he is still young (he turns 50 later this year) , and will have other political opportunities in the future.

Kennedy made his remarks tonight in Bridgeport where he was set to speak at the JFK Legacy Dinner, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of President John F.  Kennedy.

We will have more in this developing story tonight on Eyewitness News at 11. 

Earlier this year I wrote about a potential Kennedy candidacy:

http://dennishouse.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/why-ted-kennedy-jr-might-run-and-why-he-might-not/

watch our most recent interview with Ted Kennedy, Jr. : http://dennishouse.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/connecticuts-kennedy-ready-to-hit-campaign-trail/