Markey Will Likely Retire Rather Than Face Kennedy [OPINION]

Joe Kennedy III is expected to announce on Saturday that he will primary U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), creating a disaster scenario for Markey, who has been in Congress since I was a senior in high school.

Rather than the old gunslinger being publicly humiliated by the new kid in town at high noon on Main Street, I would expect Ed Markey to suddenly have a burning desire to catch up on his reading and spend more time with the grandkids. In other words, expect an announcement soon from Markey that he plans to exit stage left to make room for the next generation of socialist progressives.

Markey has been a largely ineffective member of Congress and I shall weep no tears at his anticipated departure. Kennedy, on the other hand, is young, has money and could be around for a while. The fact that he is a Kennedy helps a lot. That also makes him dangerous to our democracy and capitalism.

Young Joey is probably one of the brighter chestnuts to fall from the Kenndy tree in a while but his politics are Stalinistic by my standards; therefore, he would not serve Massachusetts well. Kennedy's people say he is looking forward to advancing "the issues that matter most – climate change, income inequality, gun reform, universal health care, reproductive freedom, and immigrant rights." Yeah, my top five issues.

There are two other Democrats already in the hunt for Markey's seat, Shannon Liss-Riordan and Steve Pemberton. Republican Allen Waters is also onboard. Should Kennedy win there would need to be an election to fill his seat in the 4th Congressional District which includes a portion of Fall River.

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that Markey will retire, Kennedy is coronated and some equally loony lefty, probably from closer to the Boston area, will replace him in the House.

God help us, everyone.

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.