Is a drug addict the best candidate the Dems could find in the whole of Rhode Island?

[FishForLunch]

Democrats to nominate Kennedy for re-election
WEST WARWICK, R.I. (AP) May 8,2006
Rhode Island Democrats are expected to endorse Representative Patrick Kennedy for re-election when they meet tonight in West Warwick.

Party members will endorse candidates for Congress and the state's top jobs -- governor, secretary of state, general treasurer and attorney general.

Kennedy has checked himself into the Mayo Clinic for treatment for addiction to prescription drugs following a Thursday car accident in Washington. He says he can't remember driving to
Capitol Hill or crashing his car.

Kennedy's doctors say he was taking Phenergan for stomach and intestinal problems and Ambien, a commonly prescribed sleeping medication. Police say he appeared intoxicated.

[Drbio]

Phenegran does not intoxicate. It could cause drowsiness, but not intoxicate.
Ambien is the same physiologically.

What a crock of poo.

[Mavdog]

just another person who has to confront their problem with drugs. he's on a long list that includes the recent subject, rush linbaugh. rather than call them names, we should support their efforts..

as far as the drug's affects, clearly ambien does MUCH more than simply causing drowsiness, and what the two drugs do when taken together is unknown.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ambien and talk to your doctor if you experience
· headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
· nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
· depression;
· muscle aches or pains;
· vivid or abnormal dreams; or
· amnesia (memory loss) after a dose

[FishForLunch]

Father was a dunkard and son is a drug abuser, but when it comes to politics they are clear headed thats what the dems want the people to believe.

[MavKikiNYC]

There are a couple of scenarios that could happen:

1) Kennedy could say, "Look, the pressure of the job is too much in combination with the pressure of recovery. Thanks for your support, it's been an honor to serve. But I think that it would be better for both the people of Rhode Island and for me personally for another person to be elected."

2) The people of Rhode Island could say, "Thank you for your years of service. We support you in your recovery. We believe that the position of Representative would be best served by a person who can devote full attention to the job, and not have to deal simultaneously with the pressures of being in recovery."

3) Kennedy can cling to the job, putting his own personal demon-filled needs before the needs of the office, and lessen his chances for a successful recovery.

4) The people of Rhode Island can turn a blind eye figuring that the influence and political connections of a drugged Kennedy can't be too much less than those of a drunk and philandering one.


I have sympathy for the man. But he should step down and work to get himself well. And if he won't do it, the people of Rhode Island should make the decision for him. Being in recovery takes too much attention to be trying simultaneously to fulfill the responsibilities of being an elected official.