Mark Shriver Loses Congressional Bid (posted September 11, 2002)
Kennedy cousin Mark Shriver yesterday lost his bid for the Democratic nomination for Congress in Maryland's 8th district. In a surprise victory, state senator Chris Van Hollen beat Shriver by a 43 to 41 percent margin.
The loss is leading national reporters to ask whether the Kennedy magic has disappeared from American electoral politics. Cousin Max Kennedy was forced to abandon his bid for Congress in 2001 after a faltering start. Joe Kennedy left the race for governor of Massachusetts several years ago after a baby-sitter scandal involving his younger brother.
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend faces a competitive race for governor in Maryland, while Congressman Patrick Kennedy squares off in Rhode Island against Republican Dave Rogers.
