Why not? Why not just go the whole nine yards and convert it into a peerage? They’ve held the seat for 55 years, except for a brief period in the early 60s when JFK’s college roommate held it. Give it to Ted’s wife, then Caroline can have it after she establishes Massachusetts residency, and then Patches will get it provided he doesn’t crash any more cars in the meantime. Although, of course, that never hurt Teddy, did it?

One nice thing about this idea: It adds a rich, glossy nuance to Obama’s arguments against the Clintons’ dynastic politics.

Ted Kennedy has made clear to confidants that when his time is up, he wants his Senate seat to stay in the family – with his wife, Vicki.

Multiple sources in Massachusetts with close ties to the liberal lion say his wife of 16 years has long been his choice to continue carrying the family flame in the Senate. Kennedy won the seat in 1962; his brother John held it from 1953 to 1960.

“There’s no question that he’d like Vicki to continue in his seat,” said one Massachusetts Democrat with ties to the Camelot clan who spoke to Kennedy recently, before his health crisis.

“She’s smart, and smart politically.”

Exit question: Had he lived, where would JFK Jr. be today? Already a congressman? Preparing to step in here for TK? Or locked in a death struggle with Obama for the Democratic nomination?

Update: No worries. Teddy’s shoes are already being filled.