NEEDHAM, MA (CBS) -- The Kennedy clan has long been considered America's leading political family, but right now there are no Kennedys holding any important government job. So a member of the next generation is trying to revive the family tradition.
Yes, there are certain advantages to running for Congress as a Kennedy in Massachusetts. Especially when you look so much like a Kennedy and your fiancé has the natural elegance of the Kennedy women.
Joseph Kennedy III is the grandson of Robert Kennedy. President John Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy were his great uncles. And he carries the name of the famous family patriarch, his great grandfather Joe.
Back in office is one thing, but many of his fans believe a seat in the House is little more than a stepping stone.
Adding to the burden of high expectations, some here just assume he'll follow in the footsteps of JFK. We've already heard some of your constituents who say he's going to be president someday. Joe says, "You know I'm grateful for their support and their enthusiasm. I've won one primary."
His republican opponent Sean Bielat says Kennedy is simply running on the family name, and that the 31-year-old's two years in the Peace Corps and three years as a prosecutor hardly qualify him to run for Congress. Bielat says, "I don't think in any other state, in any other district in the country people would consider you qualified for this office. Other than fame that comes with your family and the money that comes with it, you the background."
Kennedy says he'll win or lose as a candidate, not a name. He says, "What we've been doing from the very beginning in this campaign is trying to get out there and let people know that I am the one running and that I've got to earn people's trust."