Ted Kennedy's campaign millions up for grabs: Family to decide who'll get $4.5M

[Hepburn]

Ted Kennedy didn't leave behind only a 46-year legislative record - he also left behind a bulging, $4.5 million campaign war chest.

The hefty sum means that, even in death, Kennedy remains the 10th most well-financed senator in the nation - even though his next election wasn't until 2012.

Now - as a bevy of Bay State politicians consider running for Kennedy's vacant seat - the question becomes what happens to all that money.

"His family gets to decide what to do with the money," said one Democratic source.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/09/08/2009-09-08_ted_kennedys_campaign_millions_up_for_grabs_family_to_decide_wholl_get_45m.html

Wow, one hell of a war chest and it does leave some real Kennedy senatorial power sitting in the State of Mass. I am wondering who is most likely to pick this up?

I am not familiar with the possible candidates...and one from Mass or with an idea, please weigh in on this!

TIA...:hi:

[Taverner]

1. I wish Patrick J. Kennedy lived in Mass - that would be a perfect legacy

And unlike some, I really don't mind that the Kennedy family "owns" a seat in the Senate.

[Hepburn]

13. I like both him and his brother a lot....

...either son or the daughter would be great, IMO.

[bluestateguy]

2. Can the DNC get any?

I know that the law says you cannot just pocket the money, but you can donate it to charity. Can you donate it to other candidates and parties?

[Hepburn]

4. Boy, I am not sure on this one....

...since the donations came for TED KENNEDY ~~ what the rules may be, who knows!

But...IMO, if the family can give it to whom they please....boy, are they going to be wined and dined over this war chest.

[derby378]

5. If so, maybe it should go to the war chest of Kennedy's permanent replacement

If you don't think the Republicans will fight until their last breath to clinch a Senate seat from MA, I've got a bridge to sell you.

[dflprincess]

6. I believe campaign funds may be donated to other candidates or parties but

I hope the family will donate only to candidates who support the positions Senator Kennedy held. Give to the party and it could be used to help Blue Dogs - it's why I only donate my paltry amounts to candidates.

[Hepburn]

12. I second that thought....

...fuck the Blue Dogs ~~ they are more interested in tearing apart what Ted Kennedy stood for than supporting it.

JMHO

[csziggy]

7. Could they set up a foundation and use the proceeds to finance

Various campaigns over the years? Think of how much good relatively small infusions of campaign donations could do for progressive Democratic candidates all over the country!

[Ineeda]

11. If it's legal it should go only to liberal Dems, not the party. n/t

[LaydeeBug]

3. Teddy Jr lives in Mass...he moved to be closer to his father.

He could run. and win.

[Taverner]

8. But I don't think that's fair to him

He never wanted to be in politics, or the public spotlight

[Hepburn]

9. I adore Ted, Jr...

...and Ted III ~~ wow, if that kid is NOT a chip off of Ted, Sr., I will eat this page of the DU. That kid is fabulous ~~ and for real.

Yep, I would LOVE to see Ted, Jr. as the Jr. Sen. for the State of Mass. He is totally great in my book.

[Obamanaut]

10. Vote for "The Name You Know." Or leave it to the children in the will. nt

[Hepburn]

14. I don't think they can leave it to the heirs....

....just seems there would be some feddie rule against using campaign donations in this manner.

[Obamanaut]

21. I posted in the wrong spot. It should have been a response to

post #1, about "owning" the seat in Mass.

[brendan120678]

20. They can't leave it to their children, because...

it's not Ted Kennedy's money. It belongs to the "Committee to Reelect Senator Kennedy," or whatever his committee was titled. I don't even see how the family even has a say in how the money is dispersed. The Committee has (or should have) a manager, finance director, etc. who is in charge of expenditures.

[Obamanaut]

22. See my post 21, slightly above this one. nt

[appamado amata padam]

15. Can it go to a charitable org?

[Hepburn]

16. I don't think so since the monies are from campaign donations...

...but not sure.

[Hepburn]

17. Oh, duh....

...from the article I posted:

"The reality is that federal law severely limits what the Kennedy clan can do with Uncle Ted's campaign kitty.

Here's one thing they can't do: transfer it to a member of the family who may choose to run for his seat, including his widow, Vicki.

The late senator's campaign can give the maximum federal donation - $2,000 - to any candidate (Kennedy or non-Kennedy), but that's it, Federal Election Commission officials say. The same goes for Kennedy's political action committee, the Committee for a Democratic Majority, which has another $11,000 cash on hand."

Read more at the link about what can be done:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/09/08/2009-09-08_ted_kennedys_campaign_millions_up_for_grabs_family_to_decide_wholl_get_45m.html

[Hepburn]

19. Messsage to myself....

...LEARN TO READ AND COMPREHEND ~~ THE ANSWERS ARE THERE!

Senior moment....:hi:

[appamado amata padam]

18. Oh, I get it. Thx.