Kennedy-Furcolo Feud

Welcoming the delegates to the Americans for Democratic Action convention last year, Democrat Easter Furcolo suggested that the group disband. The gambit was designed to make him more acceptable to the average voter in the present Senatorial battle. But as a Master of election surprises, Furcolo has suddenly found himself a victim of the unexpected switch. His fellow Democrat Senator John Kennedy, has refused to support him against Republican Leverett Saltonstall.

There is little doubt that Kennedy's move was unexpected. On a television broadcast a little over a week ago, Furcolo smiled at Kennedy and remarked that the Senator had "taken his place among the leaders of our party in the nation." But when Kennedy spoke a few minutes later, he snubbed his recent admitter, After the program, Kennedy's secretary added that the Senator "definitely will not gave Furcolo a personal endorsement."

One of the first indications that Kennedy and Furcolo were not cooperating fully came about ten years ago when both were serving in the House of Representatives. At that time, party officials hoped they would overcome their "unfriendly attitude toward each other." But two years ago Furcolo openly antagonized Kennedy with what was considered a deliberate affront. Struggling to win a place in the Senate. Kennedy wanted to circulate a letter in a strategic Italian community friendly to Furcolo. Although Kennedy asked Furcolo for the use of his name, his request was ignored.

The present campaign has continued a growing feud. This time Furcolo, disappointed with Kennedy's support, complained that the Senator was not assisting party organization. Friction between the men was further increased when Furcolo tried to persuade Kennedy to put off a major surgical operation until after the election. The combination of Kennedy's reluctance to enter the campaign and Furcolo's awkward attempts to push him in have further irritated the sensitive relationship.

Another source of the current disagreement arises from the difference of opinion toward Republican Leverett Saltonstall. To Furcolo he is an opponent. But to Kennedy, he is a friend with whom he has successfully co-sponsored seven Senate bills. When Kennedy recently circulated his legislative record containing numerous laws like the "Kennedy-Saltonstall fishing boat protection bill," Furcolo complained. He argued that Kennedy should remove the politically helpful references to Saltonstall. Kennedy refused, and thereby underscored an old dispute that even the demands of party loyalty have not concealed.