The big story this morning is that Patrick Kennedy is not running for reelection, giving us the prospect of a Kennedy-free Congress for this first time in most American's lives.

He can't claim to want to spend more time with the family, since he has none, so the narrative is that the death of his father affected him profoundly.

Of that I have no doubt.

Powerful, successful fathers have two kinds of sons--the ones who are just like them, and the ones who aren't. The ones who aren't have a choice before them--try to emulate the old man, or strike out on one's own. The first kind generally lead miserable lives--working in careers they are ill-suited to by preference, temperament or skills. Their lack of success and dependence on their father's influence and intervention is emasculating. Its fairly common to see substance abuse, relationship problems supplemented by other risky behaviors--anything to dull the pain of eunchdom or offer some sense of manliness.

I am virtually certain that his resignation isn't a case of Patrick Kennedy taking control of his life--getting out from underneath his father's shadow.

A WPRI-12 poll out just last month showed Kennedy with a staggering 56 percent unfavorable rating in his own district, swelling to 62 percent statewide. Moreover, just 35 percent in his district would vote for him again.

The bottom-line is that Kennedy was toast, and he was undoubtedly offered an escape hatch into a Democrat-controlled sinecure if he would simply step down, and allow another Democrat to retain the seat for the party.

Its a chance for a second act, and I wish the man well, but it will require him to demonstrate a strength of character he hasn't yet displayed.

[A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post analyzing the future of the Kennedy political dynasty--seems rather prophetic at this point.]