Kennedy won't run for re-election

WASHINGTON (WPRI) - Representative Patrick Kennedy will not seek re-election to Congress, according to his press secretary.

Eyewitness News has learned Kennedy’s campaign has purchased television ad space on Sunday night, prior to 60 Minutes when he will address his constituents . Kerrie Bennett, the Congressman’s press secretary, said the two minute ad was pre-taped and was to be the official announcement.

• Watch the Kennedy ad

News of the political change-of-heart leaked out late Thursday evening.

In the announcement video, Rep. Kennedy said, "Now having spent two decades in politics, my life is taking a new direction, and I will not be a candidate for re-election this year."

He continued, "Going forward, I will continue many of the fights we've waged together, particularly on behalf of those suffering from depression."

The announcement comes on the heels of an exclusive WPRI 12 Poll released last week that revealed bleak numbers for the eight-term congressman.

• See a breakdown of Kennedy job performance

The poll showed 31 percent of those interviewed said they would “consider another” candidate and 28 percent said they would “vote to replace” Kennedy. Those who would re-elect the eight-term Congressman came in at 35 percent. Five percent weren’t sure.

The poll, conducted by Fleming & Associates for WPRI 12 interviewed 250 registered voters in Kennedy’s district and comes with a 6.2 percent margin of error.

Kennedy’s numbers were gloomy when examined statewide : of the 500 polled in both districts, a mere 35 percent give Kennedy a favorable rating, with a 62 percent unfavorable rating. He fared slightly better in District 1 with a 42 percent favorable and 56 percent unfavorable.

• See a breakdown of Kennedy's job performance poll numbers

“I’m surprised but not shocked,” said Eyewitness News Political Analyst Joe Fleming. “With all the personal problems Patrick’s been dealing with over the past few years, it’s been tough.”

• Extended interview with Joe Fleming on Kennedy's poll numbers

Eyewitness News has learned State Democratic Party Chairman William Lynch is considering a run to fill Kennedy’s seat.

Right now, the only official entrant into the race is little-known Republican State Representative John Loughlin.

• Extended interview with John Loughlin on Kennedy's poll numbers

“Clearly this is a Congressman who is out of touch,” Loughlin said when shown the poll numbers last week. “He's lost touch with his constituents and that’s certainly reflected in the numbers.”

Congressman Kennedy declined to comment about the poll results.

Republican State Senator Scott Brown from Massachusetts pulled a massive upset to topple Democratic Attorney General Martha Coakley in a special election last month. The election was to fill the seat of Patrick Kennedy’s late father Senator Edward Kennedy.

Kennedy’s core voters, Democrats, were willing to give him two more years with 61 percent saying they would re-elect.

The poll was conducted by phone January 27 through January 31, 2010. Reflecting the political canvas of the state; 39 percent of those polled considered themselves Democrat, 17 percent Republican and 41 percent Independent. Statewide statistics -- 500 registered voters -- comes with a 4.4 percent margin of error.