US Rep Kennedy seeking addiction treatment

WASHINGTON, May 5 (Reuters) US Rep Patrick Kennedy, son of Massachusetts Democratic Sen Edward Kennedy, today announced he will seek treatment for a substance abuse problem.

''I have been fighting this chronic disease since a young man,'' Kennedy said, adding that he will return to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He said he wanted to continue working for his constituents in Rhode Island.

The announcement came shortly after U.S. Capitol Police reported that the younger Kennedy was charged with ''failure to give full time and attention'' and ''failure to keep in proper lane'' after he crashed his car Thursday night into a security barrier near the US Capitol.

The report made no mention of possible alcohol consumption.

Kennedy told reporters he will seek re-election in November. ''I need to stay in the fight,'' he said.

Kennedy said he had no recollection of Thursday's crash. ''I simply do not remember getting out of bed, being pulled over by the police or being cited for three driving infractions.'' Reuters VJ VP0102