Ted Kennedy 's first N.J. campaign: Dick Hughes in 1961
By Wally EdgeTed Kennedy's first political trip to New Jersey was on September 18, 1961, when he traveled to Camden County to stump for the Democratic candidate for Governor, Richard Hughes. Kennedy was serving as the Assistant Suffolk County District Attorney in the days when New Jersey Democrats didn't fervently object to prosecutors talking politics.
His appearance at a press conference and fundraising dinner that attracted a reported 1,500 people at the Latin Casino, once a top night club in Cherry Hill. It came one year before he sought a U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts. Hughes won that race against Republican James Mitchell, who had been U.S. Secretary of Labor in the Eisenhower administration.
The brother of the popular president was, according to an old-time South Jersey politician who was at the event, was overshadowed by another guest, U.S. Sen. Hubert Humphrey (D-Minnesota). Humphrey said the Hughes vs. Mitchell contest was to be a referendum on John F. Kennedy. "The Republicans want to make this election a national issue - a laboratory experiment of national elections. Let's not disappoint them. Let's put on our armor. The only thing they understand is defeat."
Contributors
Wally Edge
South Jersey Democrats are touting Cinnaminson native Anthony Mazzarelli, the head of the emergency medicine department at Cooper University ... >
Bob Torricelli
Everybody needs to start a new job with a list of priorities and Chris Christie is no exception. There might be a thousand things that need to get ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
Political discourse in America contains much in the way of intellect or intellectual honesty. One considers the Federalist Papers with wistful awe: ... >
Jeff Michaels
The NJ gubernatorial election result demonstrates that Governor-elect Chris Christie resurrected the center-right voter coalition of Republicans, ... >
Richard LaRossa
With a convincing win in defeating an encumbent Governor, why were there no coattails? >
Alan Steinberg
As in any transition, speculation is rampant as to whom Governor-elect Chris Christie will appoint as Chief of Staff, State Treasurer, and Attorney ... >
Dr. Joseph Marbach
Now that the dust has finally settled after the grueling campaign for governor, there are a number of lessons that we can draw from this ... >
Carla Katz
When he was growing up, Chris Christie's folks must have taught him that when he went to a new playground, he should pick a fight with the ... >
Joey Novick
“My work is done here. Winfrey has finally succumbed,” announced Novick at a press conference, pumping his fist in ‘win’ style. ... >
Murray Sabrin
New Jersey voters repudiated Governor Jon Corzine's policies of the past four years on November 3rd. Republican Chris Christie and Independent ... >
Poll
Hot Topics
Most Active Stories
- Christie transition team members to assume more specified roles tomorrow
- Between two Tuesdays ago and next Monday: welcome to Atlantic City
- Christie names 19 subcommittee chairs
- Sweeney subs for sitting senate president at On the Record taping
- Poll finds New Jersey residents narrowly support gay marriage
- Marlboro mayor won't rule out '13 bid for governor
- Exploring congressional bid, Runyan meets with Gilmore
- Weinberg to Sweeney: honor your committment on marriage equality
- Sweeney: economy is the issue now, not marriage equality
- Bergen County prepares for the unusual: Republican Freeholders
- Poll finds New Jersey residents narrowly support gay marriage
- Bergen County prepares for the unusual: Republican Freeholders
- Sweeney subs for sitting senate president at On the Record taping
- Exploring congressional bid, Runyan meets with Gilmore
- Velez-Gentry would take Christie administration position if offered
- Weinberg to Sweeney: honor your committment on marriage equality
- Marlboro mayor won't rule out '13 bid for governor
- Fifis formally announces Burlco Dem leadership bid
- Christie names 19 subcommittee chairs
- Hayden files Ferriero motion
- Quinnipiac: Christie leads 50%-40%
- Quinnipiac poll has Christie ahead by 4 points as Corzine gets closer
- Christie, in West New York, takes questions
- Gore makes his case for Corzine
- Potential LG rivals Allen and Weinberg ally for county committee reform legislation
- Final debate schedule
- Torricelli on making perfection the enemy of good
- Autistic man seeks Assembly seat in 37th
- Jeb Bush attends Christie fundraiser
- Correction: Weiner departure was not his own idea
Recent Posts From Inside Edge
Quote of the Day
"An Irish wake." -- New Jersey Sierra Club director Jeff Tittell, on Senate President Richard Codey's party in Atlantic City.
Recent Press Releases
- Nov 20 2009
- Nov 20 2009
- Nov 19 2009
Syndicate
