BOSTON --Sen. Edward Kennedy's Republican challenger said Tuesday that Kennedy has failed to help curb the U.S. addiction to oil, and he faults Kennedy -- an ardent opponent of the war in Iraq -- for the conflict.
Ken Chase, owner of a language school in Belmont, had what he called a "civil" debate with Kennedy at the NECN studios in Newton. The 30-minute debate moderated by Chet Curtis was taped in the morning but closed to the media. It was to air Tuesday night.
After the debate, Chase said he respected Kennedy, but faulted him for not doing more to reduce American dependence on oil. The United State wouldn't be in Iraq if it weren't so dependent on Middle Eastern supplies, he said.
Kennedy has had 44 years to work toward energy independence, he said.
"This is the greatest act of legislative malfeasance of the last half-century. This is what Ted Kennedy has to be held accountable for," Chase said.
A spokeswoman for Kennedy did not immediately return a call for comment.
Kennedy has held his Senate seat since 1962, when he was elected to serve out the final two years of the term for his brother, John F. Kennedy.
After the debate Tuesday, Kennedy turned his attention to a tighter political race: the campaign for Massachusetts governor. He was appearing with Worcester Mayor Tim Murray, Democrat Deval Patrick's running mate, who is running against Republican Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey.
Kennedy's stiffest challenge to his seat came 12 years ago, from Mitt Romney. Romney, now the governor, is not seeking re-election.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/10/10/republican_challenger_faults_kennedy_for_oil_dependence_iraq_war/
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