A powerful political pedigree isn’t a free ticket to Washington, Joseph P. Kennedy III admitted yesterday even after a UMass Lowell/Boston Herald poll showed his name recognition gives him a huge lead in the race to win the 4th Congressional District.

The 31-year-old Kennedy told the Herald it will be hard-fought campaigning that will allow him to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Barney Frank.

“It’s about earning the vote,” he said. “That’s the one thing that I’ve always learned from watching campaigns. It’s knocking on more doors and making more phone calls. It’s me trying to get to know” voters.

The poll, testing the 4th Congressional District, showed Kennedy trouncing potential Republican challenger Sean Bielat, 60 percent to 28 percent.

Critics warn the poll reflects a name-only sensibility among voters, who have not yet vetted potential-candidate Kennedy for the seat. The poll even shows his father, Joseph P. Kennedy II, has a slightly higher favorability rating — 51 percent for the son to 55 percent for the dad.

“He’s not well known, and has no negatives,” said GOP strategist Todd Domke. “This could be his peak. It shows that a case will have to be made against him.”

Domke added because the younger Kennedy “doesn’t have a scandal,” it’s actually a qualification for him.

Domke also echoed that Kennedy’s success will depend on not assuming any lead, or relying too heavily on his name.

“If he runs that this is his natural inheritance with very little experience, there will be resentment,” Domke said.

Still, experts said the poll results are staggering.

“It’s a stunning number. There’s an enormous well of affection in Massachusetts for the Kennedys,” said Democratic strategist Scott Ferson. “Joe is exactly right, if he does the work and presents himself and doesn’t take anything for granted, he’ll get that and more.”

The poll also showed that 34 percent of 4th District voters felt that the Kennedy family has too much influence in the Bay State, while 56 percent of respondents said that his last name made no difference to them.

And Kennedy, whose announcement is on the horizon, previewed a campaign point he will be talking about, should he make the run.

“All over, it’s a theme of fairness. That’s the issue that keeps coming up,” he said. “The American dream is in danger of escaping people.”

The UMass Lowell/Herald poll also shows there are still a lot of potential voters — a solid 10 percent — who can’t make up their mind if they’re ready for another Kennedy or not.

(Source: bostonherald.com)