The Kennedys

The Kennedy patriarch was ambassador to Britain and chief of US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Joseph P. Kennedy Jr 1915-1944

The eldest of Joe Kennedy8217;s sons, Joseph had begun a promising political career as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1940 but the World War II bomber pilot was killed at 29.

John F. KennedY 1917-63

At 44, Joe Kennedy8217;s second son became one of the youngest and arguably most charismatic US Presidents. He was assassinated while on a presidential visit to Texas.

Caroline Kennedy 1957-

JFK8217;s daughter shied away from politics until she endorsed Barack Obama with an article in the New York Times titled 8216;A President Like My Father8217;. May succeed Hillary Clinton in NY Senate.

Eunice Kennedy 1921-

John F. Kennedy8217;s sister worked for people with physical and learning disabilities. Her husband was an ambassador to France and a vice-presidential candidate in 1972.

Maria O. Shriver 1955-

She is married to California Governor and Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger but publicly endorsed Democratic candidate Barack Obama in the Presidential election.

ROBERT Kennedy 1925-68

He served in brother JFK8217;s Cabinet as attorney general and was a senator from New York. He was shot while running for the White House.

Kathleen Kennedy 1951-

Bob Kennedy8217;s eldest daughter was Lieutenant Governor of Maryland but after she failed to become governor, stayed out of politics. She was a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton during the Democratic race.

Joseph P. Kennedy II

Bob8217;s son and former Massachusetts Congressman. When uncle Ted was diagnosed with tumour, his name came up as a possible replacement if the seat fell vacant

Robert F. Kennedy Jr 1954-

The environmental lawyer and an active blogger, Robert endorsed Hillary Clinton during the recent Democratic nomination race and expressed interest in Clinton8217;s Senate seat.

Christopher Kennedy

The eighth of Bobby Kennedy8217;s 11 children, he might emerge as a possible candidate for the Illinois Senate seat vacated by Obama.

Jean F. Kennedy

The youngest of JFK8217;s sisters, she was US ambassador to Ireland under Bill Clinton. She was named an honorary Irish citizen in 1988.

Edward Kennedy 1932-

Ted was elected to the Senate in 1962 from Massachusetts, a seat that fell vacant when JFK became President. In 1980, he stood for President but lost to Jimmy Carter.

Patrick Kennedy 1967-

Ted8217;s son, a Congressman from Rhode Island, admitted to a struggle with alcohol addiction two years ago. After a rehab stint, he now advocates an expansion of US mental health insurance coverage.