Max Kennedy Stumps for Obama in Rural Ohio

Vinton County Democratic Party faithful lined up to attend the annual fall dinner, which was held September 27 in McArthur. There was standing room only during the event held at the Vinton County Community building. Residents not only attended in support of the local Democrat ticket, but also to have the opportunity to meet Max Kennedy. Vinton County is located in rural southeastern Ohio.

Matthew Maxwell Taylor Kennedy is the youngest of the nine children born to Robert (Bobby) and Ethel Kennedy. The stop in Vinton County was a part of a tour of the Midwest in support of Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama. Kennedy is a graduate of Harvard, and the University of Virginia School of Law. The longstanding Kennedy commitment to public service has not been lost on Max, who served as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia, and was a co-founder of the Urban Ecology Institute at Boston College.

Currently Max Kennedy is serving at the campaign chair for his uncle, Teddy Kennedy. In 2001, Kennedy had entertained a run for congressional office, but decided to withdraw from the race due to the time it would require to spend away from his wife, and three young children. Kennedy's assistant who traveled with him to Vinton County, was mum on any plans for another run for office in the future. According to the assistant, Kennedy is very comfortable with public speaking, but readily volunteered for the task in order to support the candidate, which he firmly believes, should be sitting in the oval office in January.

"Thank you all so much for the warm welcome, being the youngest of nine children, I never got this much attention at home," Kennedy stated in jest after reaching the podium. "In all seriousness, I know the applause and smiles are really for my father, and I am deeply appreciative of the response.