New polling suggests that it could be lights out for young Joe Kennedy. A University of Massachusetts Amherst/WCVB poll shows Kennedy receiving a double-digit booty beating at the hands of incumbent U.S. Senator Ed Markey. The survey, conducted July 31-August 7, gives Markey a 15 point, or 51 percent to 36 percent, lead over Kennedy.

Just a year ago, Kennedy led Markey by more than 17 points in a Change Research Poll.

What is stunning is how well the 74-year-old Markey is doing with younger voters. The poll shows voters 18-29 years old favor Markey over Kennedy by a 71 percent to 21 percent margin. Markey also leads with the senior set but by a much smaller 47 percent to 42 percent margin.

Kennedy loses out to Markey with almost all demographics right across the board. He wins only with voters with an education level of high school or less, conservatives, and non-white voters.

Arlington National Cemetery Hosts Remembrance Honoring the Life & Legacy of Robert F. Kennedy
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Ed Markey, known for only coming alive during election season, has become a rock star with the progressive crowd. His alliance with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the Green New Deal legislation, while mocked by many, sealed the deal for many new Socialist Democrats who caucus with Bernie Sanders.

Kennedy started strong and perhaps thought that his name, fortune, and boyish good looks would be enough to carry the day for him. It didn't work. While Kennedy morphed into a Socialist Democrat to win votes, Markey was already there.

In launching a bid for the Senate, Kennedy gives up his seat in the House. He is 39 years old and has plenty of time to recover should the polls hold and he loses to Markey.

But no Kennedy has been so badly bloodied on home turf before. Perhaps the sun has indeed set on Camelot.

The primary election is September 1.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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