The race for governor in Massachusetts has taken an unexpected turn as media frenzy surrounding a scandal involving Representative Joseph P. Kennedy’s younger brother, Michael Kennedy, has dominated the headlines for the past two and a half months.
The scandal revolves around allegations that Michael began an affair with his family’s babysitter when she was just 14 years old.
However, this week, the Norfolk District Attorney announced that he had called off the investigation into statutory rape charges against Michael Kennedy due to the babysitter’s refusal to cooperate.
While aides for Congressman Kennedy express hope that he can now focus on his bid to become governor in 1998, it is evident that the scandal has taken its toll on his campaign.
Recent polls show a close race between Joe Kennedy and his primary rival, Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, for the Democratic nomination.
Tubby Harrison, a Boston pollster, commented on the impact of the scandal, stating that if this had happened to anyone other than Joe Kennedy, their poll numbers would have been significantly lower.
Despite the blow, Kennedy remains resilient, and his team believes that he can only move forward and improve his campaign.
Following District Attorney Jeffrey A. Locke’s announcement on Tuesday, the Kennedy family expressed their desire to move past the scandal.
The allegations were initially reported by The Boston Globe, leading to a fierce rivalry between the Globe and its tabloid counterpart, The Boston Herald.
Congressman Kennedy addressed the media in Washington, expressing hopes for healing within his family.
He acknowledged the pain caused by the circumstances and expressed confidence that his brother, Michael, along with his wife and children, will find a way to overcome these difficult times.
In a statement, Michael Kennedy apologized for the pain he had caused and expressed his intention to make amends for his serious mistakes while seeking the help he needs.
His wife, Victoria Gifford Kennedy, maintained that she had no knowledge of any criminal wrongdoing on her husband’s part and requested privacy for their family.
The family of the babysitter, now a 19-year-old college student, also hopes to leave the scandal behind.
They aimed to avoid the media frenzy that surrounded the Palm Beach rape trial of William Kennedy Smith, who is Joe Kennedy’s cousin.
The babysitter’s father, a prominent businessman and Democratic contributor, expressed concern about the potential harm a protracted investigation and trial could cause to his daughter.
However, it may prove challenging for the young woman to escape the scandal as her identity has become known in Massachusetts.
The Boston Globe initially named her parents in their coverage, and her picture was later featured on the cover of the tabloid Globe under the headline “Kennedy Babysitter’s s** Diary.”
In a telephone interview, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Michael’s brother, expressed deep sadness for everyone affected by the scandal, including the babysitter and her family.
He emphasized the tragic impact on the lives involved, particularly the children.
Robert Kennedy works as an environmental lawyer in New York.
The fallout from this scandal has undoubtedly left its mark on the race for governor in Massachusetts.
As Joe Kennedy and Scott Harshbarger continue to vie for the Democratic nomination, the effects of this controversy will likely shape the path ahead for both candidates.
