RFK grandson to run for Rep. Frank's seat

Joseph P. Kennedy III is officially entering the race to replace retiring Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), two Democratic sources confirmed Wednesday.

Kennedy will formally announce his campaign on Thursday.

The grandson of former presidential candidate and Sen. Robert Kennedy (D-N.Y.), Kennedy announced in January he was leaving his job as a prosecutor and laying the groundwork to run for the House seat that retiring Frank has held for three decades. He has moved into the newly redrawn district and formed an exploratory committee.

Kennedy won’t be alone in the race — Republicans and other Democrats have already announced for the seat — but as a member of Massachusetts's legendary political family, he starts out with major advantages in name recognition and fundraising.