Who should fill Teddy's shoes?

Well, as many of this blog's readers realize, politics never slows down, even for the death of a lion. So, nevertheless, the prognostications about who should face the daunting task of replacing Edward Kennedy in his Senate seat have already begun. Here are only a few of the, for me, most likely candidates to fill the position:

Joseph Patrick Kennedy II: One of the many children of Robert F. Kennedy. Was a Representative from Massachusetts' 8th Congressional District from 1987 to 1999. He has expressed considerable interest in filling his uncle's seat, and I think, will be the ultimate replacement and could possibly live up to his uncle's name.

Caroline Kennedy: Despite all of the analysis by pundits that she was soured on politics after failing in her bid to replace Hillary Clinton in her Senate seat in New York, I believe Caroline Kennedy will be a very strong contender for Ted's seat. I think she's hungry after not getting that seat and, since she owns a home in Massacusetts, she will name herself as seeking it. It would be very interesting to see her in battle with her cousin Joe for the seat.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend(?): I think Kathleen could possibly be a dark-horse candidate for this seat. She was the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003, and just barely lost the 2002 gubernatorial race to Bob Ehrlich (R). I don't know whether or not she holds a residence in Massachusetts, but if so, she could be a very strong contender for the seat and has more experience in statewide elected office than any of the major potential candidates on this list.

Mike Capuano: Has held Joe Kennedy's seat in the House of Representatives in Massachusetts since 1999. He is very involved in Massachusetts politics, but I don't believe anybody that is not part of the Kennedy Family will be named/elected to Ted's seat.

Barney Frank: Even though myself and millions of LGBT activists around the country would love the idea of the first openly gay Senator in American history, I don't think, as I mentioned with Mike Capuano, that anybody other than a Kennedy will be named for this seat. Even though I don't believe Frank will want to leave what is perhaps the safest Democratic seat in the entire Congress, he may just be gutsy enough to name himself as a possible contender.