Patrick Kennedy says personal struggles help him in Congress

[Terri]

By ANDREW MIGA
Associated Press
April 16, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rep. Patrick Kennedy says his personal struggles to recover from depression, alcoholism and substance abuse have made him a more compelling advocate in Congress for improved mental health care coverage.

The Rhode Island Democrat, a son of Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, played a leading role winning House passage last month on a bill to expand coverage for people needing mental health and addiction treatment.

''My own story gave a lot of my colleagues a comfort level to tell me their own stories, privately,'' he said in a recent telephone interview with The Associated Press. ''In the process it tied them into this debate personally in ways I think that gave traction to this legislation early on.''

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[schillerbjr]

Use the old saying:

"And the famer drew another load away!"

[George123]

I saw him on Glen Beck a while back. It appeared that he still has a substance abuse problem.

I think he also still has mental health issues.

[righton]

Wonder how remarks such as this would be received if made by a repub?

Considering his genes and DNA, what more can be expected from a Kennedy?

L&L

[rangerrebew]

The car doesn't fall far from the bridge, does it?