Kennedy says Kildee will “continue to carry the torch” for the middle class, will travel to Michigan as campaign surrogate in March

Patrick Kennedy II, the former Democratic United States Representative from Rhode Island and son of the late U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, today endorsed Dan Kildee to be the next Congressman from Michigan’s 5^th Congressional District.

“With Republicans in Congress continuing to block Democratic efforts to create jobs and continue our economic recovery, now more than ever we need more leaders in Washington like Dan Kildee,” Kennedy said. “In Congress, Dan Kildee will work tirelessly to put Michigan residents back to work, fight to end unnecessary tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires, and work to preserve vital programs like Medicare and Social Security for future generations. I’m confident Dan will continue to carry the torch on behalf of the working class people in Michigan.”

During his time in Congress, Kennedy was a consistent progressive voice who championed various pieces of legislation to benefit America’s middle class. In 2008, he was a chief sponsor of the Mental Health Parity Act, a bill which required most health plans to provide coverage for the treatment of mental illnesses. He was also a strong supporter of health care reform legislation to cover all Americans.

“Patrick Kennedy is a true public servant who understands the values that made our country great, I am proud to have his support,” Kildee stated. “The principles that the Kennedy family has fought for over the past sixty years are the same values that I will fight for in Congress. I am honored to have his support and look forward to standing next to him when he comes to Michigan.”

In addition to announcing his endorsement of Kildee, Kennedy will join Dan in Michigan on the campaign trail in March. Details for events with Kennedy will be made public and released at a later date.