In addition to redistributing authority in the State House Barrett says he believes American leadership must be redefined.

"I grew up during the time of John F. Kennedy. These were years of enormous hope," the Cantabrigian says. "What JFK did for us as youth, we will have to do four our selves in middle age."

Barrett calls for a return to the quintessential American leadership and "untapped idealism" of Kennedy. But while the senator has a clear conception of what course American politics should take, he himself, is unsure of his own political future.

When pundits speculated that Joseph P. Kennedy II might abandon his U.S. House seat two years ago to seek the governorship, Barrett says he considered making a bid for the position. But now, Barrett appears to have forsaken any designs he had on the House seat, saying that Kennedy is "just settling in" and that "he's doing a wonderful job."

Although Barrett does not flatly deny any higher aspirations, he says his family--his wife Nancy and twin daughters Hannah and Lily--will be important factors in deciding whether to seek another office.

But Barrett's aides and many of his constituents say they believe the Cambridge senator has what it takes to make it to the national political stage.

Kenneth A. Bamberger '90, Barrett's legislative aide and the former campaign manager for Cambridge City Councillor Francis H. Duehay '55, says he is struck by the intelligence Barrett shows when he deals with the complexities of various issues.

And Bamberger adds that when he visited neighborhoods asking for signatures to put Barrett's name on the ticket in the upcoming senate race, he found that Barrett had a loyal constituency.

Barrett has gained a particularly large following from the special interest groups he has served over the course of his career.

"We're always supportive of people who champion our cause," Daffin says. "He'd be terrific in a higher office."

Barrett is up for re-election in the fall and his supporters don't seem to be worried at all. He's not expected to face a challenge and he long ago demonstrated his ability to win even in a tight campaign.

But his constituents should not be surprised if they do lose Barrett in the future. The legislator has created a strong consolidated power base during his two-decade political career and that, supporters say, makes a higher office within his grasp.

Barrett himself does admit, "I can see myself in a higher political office."

But when and where, according to legislator, depends on "whether there are useful things I can accomplish" and "whether my political course is favorable." And that, says Barrett, has yet to be determined.