Edward M. Kennedy is one of the most influential senators in Congress, consistently lauded for his work in health care, civil rights, and campaign finance reform. In fact, many supporters credit the old-fashioned liberal with keeping the Democratic Party to its principles. A senator since 1962, Kennedy played major roles in the Vietnam War, Watergate, and Supreme Court confirmations. He's enthralled, as well as disappointed the generation of Americans who saw him as the keeper of his brothers' flame, all the while struggling to escape the shadow of his famous and often troubled family. Rumor and innuendo surround the Chappaquiddick incident to this day, and Kennedy has had to overcome this as he endured spectacularEdward M. Kennedy is one of the most influential senators in Congress, consistently lauded for his work in health care, civil rights, and campaign finance reform. In fact, many supporters credit the old-fashioned liberal with keeping the Democratic Party to its principles. A senator since 1962, Kennedy played major roles in the Vietnam War, Watergate, and Supreme Court confirmations. He's enthralled, as well as disappointed the generation of Americans who saw him as the keeper of his brothers' flame, all the while struggling to escape the shadow of his famous and often troubled family. Rumor and innuendo surround the Chappaquiddick incident to this day, and Kennedy has had to overcome this as he endured spectacular