BOSTON — Overlooking party differences, the large and famously Democratic Kennedy family on Wednesday rallied behind its most prominent Republican in-law, California Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"I called Arnold and Maria last night to congratulate them and wish them well," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, pater familias of the legendary political dynasty and doting uncle of California's next first lady, Maria Shriver.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Friday October 10, 2003 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 2 inches; 75 words Type of Material: Correction
Kennedy family -- A front-page article in Wednesday's Section A incorrectly reported that Bobby Shriver is Maria Shriver's younger brother. He is Shriver's older brother. In addition, the story said that Bobby Shriver did not return a phone call asking for comment on the election of his brother-in-law, Arnold Schwarzenegger, as governor of California. In fact, Shriver did return a reporter's phone call late Tuesday night but the story was not updated to reflect that.
Although Kennedy had issued a statement during the campaign opposing the recall election and supporting Gov. Gray Davis, the Democratic senator on Wednesday was downright diplomatic toward Schwarzenegger.
"I look forward to working with him on the many issues where we agree, especially in improving the quality of education and expanding opportunities for all our people," Kennedy said.
From Capitol Hill, the senator's son Patrick, a Democratic congressman from Rhode Island, also offered warm words to the incoming governor.
"I would like to congratulate Gov.-elect Schwarzenegger on a hard-fought victory in yesterday's election," said Patrick J. Kennedy, after whom one of the governor-elect's sons is named.
"I would also like to congratulate my cousin, Maria Shriver, for all the work she did on her husband's campaign," said Kennedy, who too had voiced opposition to the recall and support for Davis.
But Rep. Kennedy also observed, in a faintly veiled caveat to Schwarzenegger, that "there are many difficult issues facing California and the nation in the coming months."
"Because of federal cutbacks, governors across the country are being forced to deal with an increasingly bleak economic forecast," the congressman said.
Both Kennedys' remarks echoed the conclusions reached at an August gathering of the notoriously loyal clan at the family compound at Hyannis Port, Mass., said Laurence Leamer, author of the forthcoming book "Sons of Camelot: The Fate of An American Dynasty."
"The family got together and talked about how they were going to support Arnold," said Leamer, who learned of the meeting from a family member.
"Everybody is behind him," Leamer said, noting: "Blood trumps politics with the Kennedys. It always has."
Yet on Wednesday, some family members kept their views to themselves.
A call to Bobby Shriver, Maria's younger brother, was not returned. Former six-term congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III, Maria Shriver's cousin, was unavailable for comment, as was Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, another Shriver cousin who last year lost a bid to become Maryland's governor.
