The Next Kennedy?

Joe Kennedy III has decided to end the rumors by announcing that he is indeed leaving the Middlesex DA's office to "explore a candidacy" for Congress, in the district where Barney Frank is retiring.

I spoke on Tuesday with Boston City Councilor Mike Ross, who is also in an "exploratory" phase for that seat, as rumors were spiking that a Joe III decision was imminent. "I like Joe Kennedy very much, I think he's terrific," Ross said. But "his decision to enter the race or not will not affect my decision."

Former US Senate longshot candidate Herb Robinson has declared himself a candidate in the race, and several pols are looking closely at it -- although Kennedy's entry will likely make it much tougher for others.