"the Constitution does not protect those whose views we share; it also protects those with whos views we disagree. "

Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy is a Democratic leader from Massachusetts. He was elected to the United States Senate to finish the term of John F. Kennedy in 1962, then elected again in 1964 to serve six more terms. His most recent reelection was in 2000.

He has liberal perspectives, and believes most strongly in education and health care. Kennedy also serves on the Judiciary Committee. He is a member of the Congressional Joint Economic Committee and a major player in writing the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Kennedy's personal life has long been a topic of interest. His reputation has been tarnished by tales of alcoholism and womanizing. In 1969 he was involved in a car accident involving Mary Jo Kopechne. Kennedy was the driver and convicted of leaving the scene of an accident. Kopechne was found drowned on Chappaquiddick Island, part of Martha's Vineyard off the Massachusetts coast. Kennedy's sentence, however, was suspended. The Joyce Carol Oates Novel, Black Water is an account, though fictionalized, of these events.

In 1980, Kennedy decided to run for the Democratic presidential nomination, launching a campaign against President Jimmy Carter. He started with much support, but his bid was ultimately unsuccessful. He delivered a charismatic speech in front of the 1980 Democratic nomination in New York City. Soon after he bowed out of the race.

Kennedy currently lives with his wife, Victoria Reggis Kennedy, and her children, Curran and Caroline in Hyannisport, Mass. He also has three grown children from his first marriage with Virginia Joan Bennett: Kara, Edward Jr., and Patrick.