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Patrick J. Kennedy

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This article is about the current member of the United States House of Representatives.
For his great-grandfather, Patrick J. Kennedy, see P. J. Kennedy.
For other persons named Patrick Kennedy, see Patrick Kennedy (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with his cousin Joseph Patrick Kennedy II
Patrick J. Kennedy
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Rhode Island's 1st district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 1995
Preceded byRonald Machtley
Personal details
Born
Patrick Joseph Kennedy II
Political partyDemocratic
Spousenone
RelationsParents:
Edward Moore Kennedy, Sr. and Virginia Joan (née Bennett) Kennedy
Siblings:
Kara Anne Kennedy (born 1960)
Edward Moore Kennedy, Jr. (born 1961)

also see Kennedy family
Residence(s)Portsmouth, Rhode Island, United States
Alma materProvidence College (Bachelor of Science)
OccupationPolitician
Websitepartrickkennedy.house.gov (Kennedy's section at the U.S. House of Representatives official website)
kennedyforri.com], ("Patrick J. Kennedy for U.S. Congress"] campaign's official website)

Patrick Joseph Kennedy II (born July 14, 1967) is an American Democrat serving in the United States House of Representatives, representing the 1st congressional district of Rhode Island.

He is a son of U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy from Massachusetts. He is also the nephew of U.S. President John F. Kennedy and U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy from New York.

Early life and education

Kennedy was born to Edward Moore Kennedy, Sr. (known as "Ted") and Virginia Joan Kennedy (née Bennett) in Brighton, Massachusetts, the third of three children, after Kara Anne Kennedy (born 1960) and Edward Moore Kennedy, Jr. (born 1961).

He graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1991.[1]

Career

Rhode Island House of Representatives

Kennedy became the youngest member of the Kennedy family to hold elected office when, in 1988, he won election to the Rhode Island House of Representatives at age 21.

U.S. House of Representatives

Kennedy campaigned for the seat being vacated by U.S. Representative Ronald Machtley (who was retiring) in the 1994 Rhode Island 1st congressional district election. He won the election, defeating Republican candidate Kevin Vigilante. He was one of four Democrats in the 1994 congressional elections to win a congressional seat that had just been held by a Republican, while Republicans gained dozens of seats to take over the U.S. House. He has been re-elected in each subsequent election.

He considered running against Republican Lincoln Chafee in the 2000 U.S. Senate election in Rhode Island (which Chafee won). During the 2000 U.S. Senate recruiting phase, U.S. Representative Dick Gephardt, then-U.S. House Minority Leader, appointed Kennedy to the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, a high-profile assignment that led Kennedy to pass up the U.S. Senate opportunity for 2000.

He again considered running against Chafee in 2006.

Congressional committee assignments

From 1999 to 2001, he served as the Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee — the Democratic Hill committee for the U.S. House. It works to elect Democrats to the U.S. House and it plays a critical role in recruiting candidates, raising funds and organizing races in districts that are expected to yield politically notable or close elections.

Since 2000, Kennedy has served on the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations and on its U.S. House standing subcommittees (or under their predecessor names):

Issues and accomplishments

Kennedy's main advocacy is for more-efficient and better health-care coverage. He is a strong proponent of adding a comprehensive prescription-drug benefit to the U.S. Medicare and has consistently opposed attempts to privatize the Medicare program. Kennedy has also made numerous speeches advocating the reorientation of the U.S. health-care system to preventative care. He has received numerous awards for his health-care advocacy, including being named the recipient of the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Paul E. Tsongas Memorial Award as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation Congressional Honors Award.[citation needed]

Controversies, campaign and personal

Kennedy has acknowledged being treated for cocaine use during his teenage years, and admitted that he abused drugs and alcohol while he was a student at Providence College.[2] He sought treatment for an OxyContin addiction in 2006.[3]

During Easter weekend in 1991, Kennedy and his father were in Florida, along with Patrick's cousin, William Kennedy Smith. At Au Bar, the 23-year old Patrick met a 27-year-old Testas Restaurant waitress, Michelle Cassone, and Smith met another woman, Patricia Bowman. Both women returned with the Kennedys to the family's beachfront retreat, where a series of events took place that resulted in Smith being charged with raping Bowman. The prosecution alleged that the three Kennedys collaborated to cover-up this crime. In a widely covered trial, Smith was acquitted.[4]

In 2000, Kennedy was accused of pushing a female security guard at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California. City prosecutors ultimately decided not to bring criminal charges against him and he paid an undisclosed civil settlement to the alleged victim almost two years later.[5][verification needed]

Also in 2000, Atlantic Navigation Company of Mystic, Connecticut, claimed that a boat they rented to Kennedy was found abandoned off Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, with US$28,000 worth of damage.[6][verification needed]

The same year, the U.S. Coast Guard was dispatched to Kennedy's yacht after he and his date became embroiled in an argument on his yacht off Martha's Vineyard.[7][dead link‍]

In 2003, Kennedy was criticized for saying "I have never worked a fucking day in my life," which his staff later claimed was a satirical reference to repeated charges of never having worked.[8]

In 2007, the Kennedy camp stated that they would retain $6,600 in donations from convicted Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu. Kennedy is one of the few Democrats not to return or donate these contributions. This is a controversial action because of the allegation that Hsu had been using his personal funds to unfairly influence Washington.[9]

Capitol Hill impaired-driving accident

On May 4, 2006, Kennedy crashed his 1997 Ford Mustang convertible into a barricade on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., at 2:45 a.m. A Fraternal Order of Police[clarification needed] official said the congressman had appeared intoxicated when he crashed his car, but Kennedy claimed that he was merely disoriented from prescription medications Ambien and Phenergan.[dead link‍][10]. Anonymous sources are alleged to have seen Kennedy drinking at the nearby Hawk & Dove bar prior to the accident.[11][12] Kennedy also stated to officers that he was "late for a vote." However, the last vote of the night had occurred almost six hours earlier. The standard field sobriety test was not administered, and Kennedy was driven home by an officer.

On May 5, 2006, Kennedy admitted that he had an addiction to prescription medication and announced he would be re-admitting himself to a drug rehabilitation facility at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota where he has sought treatment for prior addictions.[13] He has stated that he has no recollection of the car crash.   On May 8, 2006, Kennedy got a show of support when he was endorsed by the Rhode Island Democratic Party.[14] On June 5, 2006, Kennedy was released from drug rehab.[15]

File:PatrickKennedy04-25-06accidentPg6.jpg
Kennedy's written narrative of the motor vehicle accident in April, 2006

After being asked if he expected any special treatment from authorities, Kennedy expressed that he hoped they would treat him as if he "were an African American in Anacostia".[16] On June 13, 2006, Kennedy made a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to a charge of driving under the influence of prescription drugs.[17] He was sentenced to one year probation and a fine of $350.   Two of the three charges (reckless driving and failure to exhibit a driving permit) were dismissed. He was also ordered to attend a rehabilitation program that includes weekly urine tests, twice-weekly meetings with a probation officer, near-daily Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and a weekly meeting of recovering addicts.[18]

On Friday, June 12, 2009, Kennedy once again announced that he has "checked into a medical facility for treatment". In a statement to the press, Kennedy said that his recovery is a "lifelong process" and that he will do whatever it takes to preserve his health. "I have decided to temporarily step away from my normal routine to ensure that I am being as vigilant as possible in my recovery," Kennedy said. He did not disclose where he was being treated.

Kennedy, who has wrestled with alcoholism, bipolar disorder, an addiction to prescription drugs and bouts of binge drinking, has often spoken publicly about his recovery and the importance of removing any stigma associated with mental illnesses. He has been a leading voice in Congress on mental health issues.

"I hope that in some small way my decision to be proactive and public in my efforts to remain healthy can help remove the stigma that has served as a barrier for many Americans reluctant to get the help they needed," he said.[19]

Rhode Island accident

In an earlier incident, on April 15, 2006, Kennedy was driving a Ford Crown Victoria — registered to the "Friends of Pat Kennedy Inc" — on Turnpike Avenue in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. As Kennedy attempted to turn left into a CVS pharmacy parking lot, his vehicle struck a Nissan Maxima driven by off-duty U.S. Coast Guard warrant officer Thomas Guthlein who was attempting to make a right turn into the same parking lot. Portsmouth police did not issue a citation to either driver.[20] One woman who witnessed the accident has expressed her opinion that Kennedy was impaired, but this has never been proven. Kennedy's handwriting on the police report was messy.[21] Guthlein is quoted in the Daily News (New York City) as saying "I never really got that close to him ... It was just a regular traffic accident".

Advocacy

Health care

Kennedy is a vocal advocate for quality health care. He has joined with Republican U.S. Senator Pete Domenici from New Mexico in introducing legislation that places mental illness under the umbrella of health insurance.

Among the rewards received on behalf of his work include the Society for Neuroscience — Public Service Award (2002), Eli Lilly and Company 2003 Helping Move Lives Forward Reintegration Awards, American Psychoanalytic Association 2003 President’s Award, American Psychiatric Association Alliance award (2003), and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance — Paul Wellstone Mental Health Award (2003).

In a March 7, 2008, speech to the Cleveland City Club, Kennedy admitted to having bipolar disorder and being a recovering alcoholic. He and his siblings have legal custody of their mother, who has long struggled with alcoholism.

2008 presidential election

On January 28, 2008, Kennedy joined his father in endorsing Barack Obama in the 2008 U.S. presidential election, stating that Obama was the "perfect antidote to George Bush."[22] Prior to that, Kennedy had joined his first cousin Timothy Shriver in endorsing U.S. Senator Chris Dodd from Connecticut.

Personal life

He has never married and resides in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

See also

References

  1. ^ Staff writer (undated). "Kennedy, Patrick Joseph, (1967 - )". bioguide.congress.gov (a database module of congress.gov, a part of the U.S. Library of Congress website). Retrieved September 1, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ Staff writer (April 19, 2001). "Approval Ratings Fall for Rhode Island Rep.  Kennedy". Fox News. Retrieved September 1, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ Staff writer (March 16, 2007). "Rep. Kennedy: I Was Hooked on OxyContin". The Associated Press via the San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved September 1, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ "Bell, Rachael (Undated). "William Kennedy Smith". "Crime Library" on truTV. Accessed August 31, 2009.
  5. ^ [verification needed]Staff writer (April 10, 2001). "Approval Ratings Fall for Rhode Island Rep.  Kennedy". Fox News. Retrieved September 1, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ [verification needed]"Boat Woes Nothing New for Rep. Kennedy". WTNH. November 15, 2000.
  7. ^ [dead link‍]Miga, Andrew (June 28, 2003). "'I Have Never Worked a (Bleepin) Day in my Life'; Patrick K patches up comment". The Associated Press. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ Lynch, Dotty; Chaggaris, Steve (June 27, 2003). "Washington Wrap". CBS News. Retrieved September 1, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Staff writer (September 4, 2007). "Arrest Warrant Issued For Fugitive Fundraiser Hsu". KTVU News. Retrieved September 1, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ [dead link‍]Miga, Andrew (May 5, 2006). "Police Report Filed in Kennedy Car Crash". The Associated Press. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ [dead link‍]Wedge, Dave (May 5, 2006). "Pat cites pills in car wreck". Boston Herald. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. ^ [dead link‍]Wedge, Dave (May 12, 2006). "Cops Told Pat K Was at Watering Hole Before Crash". Boston Herald. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ Miga, Andrew (May 5, 2006). "Rep.  Patrick Kennedy to Enter Drug Rehab". The Associated Press via The Washington Post. Retrieved September 1, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ Mayerowitz, Scott (May 9, 2006). "Kennedy gets support from Democratic Party". The Providence Journal. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ Lewis, Richard (June 5, 2006). "Rep.  Kennedy released from drug rehab clinic". Reuters.
  16. ^ McAuliff, Michael (June 6, 2006). "Treat me like I'm black, sez Teddy's son". Daily News. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ Miga, Andrew (June 13, 2006). "Patrick Kennedy pleads guilty to DUI". The Associated Press. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ Akers, Mary Ann (June 13, 2006). "Life After Fender Bender". Roll Call. Retrieved February 28, 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ [1] "AP:Rep. Patrick Kennedy again receiving treatment" By Andrew Miga
  20. ^ Portsmouth Rhode Island Police Accident Report #06-157-AC (PDF format)
  21. ^ Saltzman, Jonathan (May 6, 2006). "Kennedy's behavior, driving is questioned by eyewitness". The Boston Globe. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ "Patrick Kennedy to join father in endorsing Obama for president". The Boston Globe. January 1, 2008. Retrieved February 28, 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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