Democratic Primary: Ted Kennedy's First Senate Campaign
The race for the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts featured a high-stakes clash between political legacy and established state leadership. The primary pitted Ted Kennedy, the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, against Edward J. McCormack Jr., the serving Massachusetts Attorney General and nephew of U.S. House Speaker John W. McCormack.
Key Facts
- Winner: Ted Kennedy won the primary with 69.33% of the vote.
- Opponent: Edward J. McCormack Jr. received 30.67% of the vote.
- Total Turnout: 835,339 voters participated.
- Slogan: Kennedy utilized the slogan "He can do more for Massachusetts."
- Incumbent Status: Incumbent Senator Benjamin A. Smith II declined to run.
The Campaign Battle
The primary was characterized by a sharp contrast in perceived qualifications. Edward J. McCormack Jr. drew support from intellectuals and liberals who viewed Kennedy as inexperienced. This sentiment was captured in the critical phrase, "I back Jack, but Teddy ain't ready." During the race, Kennedy's previous suspension from Harvard University became a point of public discussion.
Kennedy leaned into his family's political history, adopting the same slogan his brother John had used a decade prior: "He can do more for Massachusetts." Despite critics questioning if the Kennedy family already held too much power—with one brother in the White House and another as Attorney General—Ted Kennedy proved to be a highly effective street-level campaigner.
The tension peaked during a televised debate. McCormack argued that a U.S. Senate seat should be merited rather than inherited, claiming that if Kennedy's name were "Edward Moore" instead of "Edward Moore Kennedy," his candidacy would be viewed as a joke. Conversely, Kennedy supporters noted that McCormack's attacks had effectively turned a millionaire into an underdog.
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Convention and Final Results
The momentum from the primary carried over to the state Democratic convention. Despite some delegates openly questioning Kennedy's qualifications and experience, he secured the nomination on the first ballot.
The final tally reflected a decisive victory for Kennedy, bolstered by public sympathy and the strength of the Kennedy political machine.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ted Kennedy | 559,303 | 69.33% |
| Democratic | Edward J. McCormack, Jr. | 247,403 | 30.67% |
| Write-in | Various | 26 | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who ran against Ted Kennedy in the Democratic primary?
Ted Kennedy was challenged by Edward J. McCormack Jr., who was the Attorney General of Massachusetts and the nephew of U.S. House Speaker John W. McCormack.
What was the main criticism against Ted Kennedy during the race?
Critics, including McCormack, argued that Kennedy was inexperienced and unqualified, suggesting that his candidacy was based on his family name rather than merit.
What slogan did Ted Kennedy use for his campaign?
He used the slogan "He can do more for Massachusetts," which was the same slogan used by his brother John Kennedy ten years earlier.
How did the voters respond to the primary?
The voters gave Ted Kennedy a landslide victory, with 69.33% of the vote compared to McCormack's 30.67%.
Did the incumbent Senator run in this election?
No, the incumbent Senator, Benjamin A. Smith II, declined to run for re-election.