Joseph P Kennedy Considers Run In Barney Frank’s 4th - District gerrymandered to oust Barney Frank – Worth Watching: Sean Bielat, Tom Wesley

From the Huffington Post: “Joseph Kennedy III Takes Steps Toward A Run For Congress” - the grandson of Robert Kennedy is considering a run at the newly re-districted 4th Congressional District that literally forced Barney Frank into retirement. The district, which was heavily gerrymandered in the past to aid the retiring Frank, with the urban areas of New Bedford and Fall River, has seen those lines redrawn – gone are the urban areas, and in are the small, very conservative, one might say Republican strongholds in the central area of the state, Worcester County.

Apparently, running a “brand name” is the Democrats strategy as far as an attempt to win a seat that, for all intents and purposes was a difficult win before the State Legislature chock full of Democrats, re-drew the lines – in 2010 Barney Frank faced opponent Sean Bielat, who was able to defy the beltway pundits and come within points of Frank (who needed help from everyone imaginable, including Bill Clinton.) Now, with the way the district has been withdrawn, it is conceivable that a primary may take place in the Republican Party – one which would also include Tom Wesley, of Hopedale, which is now part of the 4th. Wesley did to Richard Neal (D-MA2 now MA1) what Beilat did to Frank. There has been no formal or informal announcement from either Beilat (who notes an announcement pending in Janaury on his campaign website) or Wesley who contiues to maintain his website, yet there are no mentions as to any Congressioanl races) as to their intent for 2012; however, it would be a natural course, to mount a challenge, especially given the redistricting favoring conservatives.

The two Republican’s, who ran campaigns, with minimal to no help from the Mass GOP may find less now, as the new Chairman apparently was reaching across the aisle to donate to both the Deval Patrick (D) campingas well as other prominent progressives such as New York’s Chuck Schumer. One has to say it, only in Massachusetts can one find a Republican Party so moderate that the State Chair is actively aiding the opposing team! It would continue not to matter – as the state of the nation favors those who appear less affiliated with a party over one that is a “party brand” – especially if that Party in 2012 is Democrat – and that extends to Massachusetts.

This race may be overshadowed by the larger national general election; however, one has to keep an eye on the 4th, another opportunity to add balance to the powers in the State of Massachusetts.