Kennedy's Exit from Congress Leaves a Family Void

WASHINGTON — The Kennedys have held congressional seats, the presidency and the public's imagination for more than 60 years.

That era ends when Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island vacates his U.S. House seat next month, leaving a City Council post in California as Camelot's sole remaining political holding.

The son of the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy says he has no qualms about walking away from politics. His departure marks the first time in 63 years that a Kennedy won't be serving in elected office in Washington.

The 43-year-old Kennedy says in his family, "the legacy was always public service, and that didn't necessarily mean public office."

Kennedy plans to continue the tradition by championing a national effort to boost brain research.