I think he wants a more private life. … It’s difficult being a Kennedy. People see the upside, without being aware of the downside.
Patrick Kennedy biographer Darrell M. West • Regarding why Patrick Kennedy might be so willing to give up his congressional seat. Beyond poll-related reasons (Kennedy, who’s been in Congress since his mid-20s, wasn’t doing well), recent family issues had a lot to do with it. He has two cancer-survivor siblings, his mom is an alcoholic and his dad, Ted Kennedy, just died. “There is lot of stuff going on in that family at every level,” he said. Kennedy, at 42, is young enough to enjoy life out of politics. source