political director for President George H. W. Bush.

A 1969 incident shaped Ted Kennedy's image for years. He drove his car off a bridge into the water on the Massachusetts island of Chappaquiddick. Passenger Mary Jo Kopechne, a 28-year-old campaign worker, was trapped in the car and drowned. Kennedy left the accident scene, waited hours before telling police and a week later went on national television to explain his actions.

He later pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident after causing injury, and got a two-month suspended sentence.

After his 1980 White House bid, Ted Kennedy returned to the Senate and became known as a master of compromise, forging a reputation as a fighter for his causes. Universal health care, stronger educational standards, tax breaks for the less wealthyand unwavering support for labor became his hallmarks.

Sen. Barack Obama is in many ways the successor to those dreams. Ted Kennedy endorsed him early in the primary season, and Caroline Kennedy, President Kennedy's daughter, is on Obama's vice presidential selection team.

Still, the Democratic presidential candidate must tiptoe across a political tightrope. The Kennedys help him tap into an important, passionate political constituency, not to mention the money and expertise their network brings.

"There is a resonance with the Kennedys that motivates people to act on the basis of compassion," Seigenthaler said.

But in some circles, the Kennedys remain political anachronisms, liberals long ago shorn of their charisma.

The evidence: Efforts by Kennedy children and relatives to win political races have languished, other than congressional seats with strong, sympathetic New England Democratic