Projo 7 to 7 News BlogTaking the news pulse of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, by Providence Journal and projo.com staff, from 7 to 7, every business day |
|
Get the 7 to 7 on your mobile at www.projo.com. Twitter: projo | RSS | Email alerts
« The sun brings out crowds at Misquamicut beach / Photo |
Main
| Update: Altar outside W. Warwick church defaced / Photos »
WASHINGTON -- Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy will return to Congress Tuesday after an absence of about four weeks to be treated for addiction, his office said today. Kennedy spokeswoman Kerrie Bennett said the Rhode Island Democrat spent Independence Day weekend on Cape Cod with his father, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., and other family members. Kennedy announced through staff and friends on June 12 that he had entered a treatment facility earlier that week. He declined to be interviewed or to disclose any details about his treatment or his condition. The action came not long after the third anniversary of Kennedy's public acknowledgement -- prompted by a harshly publicized automobile accident on Capitol Hill -- that he had been an alcoholic and prescription pill addict for most of his adult life. He was treated after that 2006 incident at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota -- his second visit to the addiction center in less than a year. Shortly before Congress adjourned for the Fourth of July recess, Kennedy appeared on the House floor at the request of Democratic leadership to cast a vote on a closely-contested energy bill. Kennedy then returned to the Maryland treatment facility where he had undergone treatment, he told the Washington Post Monday. Kennedy's office issued this statement in his name late Monday afternoon: "Tomorrow, I will be returning to Washington to get back to work on the bold legislative agenda set forth by the House leadership -- job creation, economic development, green energy, and health care reform. The support and words of encouragement I have received over the past few weeks certainly help to support my efforts in recovery which I take seriously every day. I am feeling healthy and strong, and I am looking forward to continuing my work for the people of Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District." The Providence Journal has been following this story today as it develops. Our initial report was posted at 4:15 p.m. CommentsLeave a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
|
|
|
Voters, can we PLEASE finally dump this embarassment in 2010. Ask yourself if you know or knew anything about him other than his last name when you first put him into Congress.
Report Abuse
Rep Kennedy has had hisproblems both recently and in the past.
He does however, continue to do a good job representing our state in Congress.
I think we should continue to send him back as long as he wants to go there.
Report Abuse
"Shortly before Congress adjourned for the Fourth of July recess, Kennedy appeared on the House floor at the request of Democratic leadership to cast a vote on a closely-contested energy bill."
What do you who voted for this fraud think the chances he read this bill while "in Recovery". Just voting how daddy told him to on more time, not on how it will effect the furture cost of energy for us in RI. Go back to MASS!
Report Abuse
Please Rhode Island, do something for yourselves, and Mr. Kennedy...elect another representative. Allow Mr. Kennedy time to treat his addictions and battle his demons, on his own time. Everyone can appreciate the turmoil of addiction, and empathy and support should be aplenty for Mr. Kennedy. However, it should not be imparted to the detriment of a state, and a people, who are struggling enough during these tough times.
Please do the great State of Rhode Island a favor and elect an individual who is capable of devoting his/her full time and efforts to furthering the interests of the citizens of Rhode Island. Nothing is gained by allowing his representation of Rhode Island to continue.
Good luck, to Mr. Kennedy and Rhode Island, as you both continue to cope with Mr. Kennedy's personal problems.
Report Abuse
Anyone who voted or votes for this guy, and ignores his background should have their right to vote suspended immediately. There has not been one Letter To The Editor, or one Projo article wondering where he's been treated, and for what. Giving this loser a pass is reflective of liberal hypocrisy. I know many folks with Depression, Anxiety Disorder and Schizophrenia. Unlike this loser, they take their meds, have jobs, and stay out of trouble. None of them have been to rehab 3 times in the last four years, pushed a female security guard at LAX Airport, had 2 early morning car accidents in a five month period, left a date stranded at sea who had to be rescued by the Coast Guard, wrecked a boat they rented, and laughed about "Never having a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ job in my life." They are also not spoiled dimwits who thumb their noses at their diseases. What happened to his promise of "I will always have someone around me at all times, so I don't slip up?"
Report Abuse
It is so refreshing to see Representative Junkie back in Washington after his little vacation. Perhaps his office should be moved permanently to the Mayo clinic or another rehab center. What is it with Rhode Islanders voting to keep the biggest loser in office? Yes, general assembly members, I am referring to you.
Report Abuse
Nothing like a drive-thru rehab stint to clear an eleced official's head.
Report Abuse
This hack needs to be fired immediately.
Report Abuse
it is amazing that anyone votes for this guy. Unfortunately all the fools in RI love the Kennedy name.
I met him once, and it is amazing how brainless this guy is. He can barely complete a sentence. If his name wasnt Kennedy he would be working on the fries at mcdonalds.....maybe cleaning the floors. The fries are too hard.
Report Abuse
This guy needs to get OUT OF PUBLIC OFFICE!
GET OUT NOW! Just get out. Pack your bags. Leave. Vamoose.
What a disgrace. He is making Rhode Island look even worse than it is. He needs to LEAVE NOW.
Did I mention that he should LEAVE NOW?
Report Abuse
is this guy for real ?
lol
Report Abuse
this guy is a complete tool. it is amazing that he was ever elected in the first place. give him the boot!
Report Abuse
How can anyone honestly say Patrick has served Rhode Island effectively, proudly and with distinction? Please! If his last name was anything other than Kennedy he would have been gone years ago, even in RI! How much is enough? What has this guy ever done to deserve your vote? What? I challenge anyone to name a single thing.
Report Abuse
Gee that's too bad that he's back. At least he was not embarrassing us and himself while he was away. Speaking of away...can you voters in his district please put this clown away for good in 2010. Do us all a favor. Thanks
Report Abuse
"Healthy and strong"??? This empty suit hasn't been healthy or strong his whole life. Were it not for his family name he wouldn't even be able to make a living to support himself and his habits. He certainly doesn't belong representing RI. We have enough problems.
Report Abuse
Not that I forgive Patrick's drug abuse, but look at the genes. We feel sorry for inner city kids whose fathers are drug dealers and mommies are prostitutes. Well, his mom has had 3 DUI's, and was found drunk in the middle of a street in Boston a few years back. And daddy, well all he did was murder a young lady in 1969, and leave the scene of the accident. Oh yeah, granddaddy Joe was a rum runner with Mafia ties. Poor Patrick, ye never had a chance. Camelot, or Drunkalot, you decide.
Report Abuse