Joseph Kennedy III Takes Oath Of Office In Congress

BOSTON (AP) — Joseph Kennedy III has been sworn in as the state's newest congressman.

The Brookline Democrat fills the 4th Congressional District seat formerly held by Barney Frank.

Kennedy took his oath of office on the House floor Thursday.

Kennedy said in a statement that he looked forward to working with constituents, community leaders and local officials to help preserve what he called the 4th District's "proud tradition of innovation and a work ethic that has fueled economic growth for generations."

The state's eight other House members — all Democratic incumbents — were also sworn in Thursday.

Kennedy is the first member of the famous political clan to take a seat in Congress since the death of his uncle, Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, in 2009 and the retirement of Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Edward Kennedy's son, in 2011.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.