Some would say U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy '54-'56 is running scared.

The 32-year incumbent is facing the biggest challenge of his electoral career. He's not scared of leading Republican opponent W. Mitt Romney's campaign treasure chest and sizable constituency, but rather because of a growing sentiment in his own constituency: all good things must come to an end.

Kennedy faces a tough fight not only because of his majority party affiliation in a mid-term election but also because of his 32-year incumbency, which has become a liability.

Still, he is trading on his clout, which just last week brought home new pork, saving more than 500 jobs which had been scheduled to be cut at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Mass.

That aside, polls put the race at a virtual dead heat, with some giving Romney a slight edge if the general election were today.

Romney faces a primary challenge from fellow wealthy entrepreneur John Lakian and the two candidates have sparred with increasing ferocity in recent weeks.

Both candidates are pro-choice, but Lakian has criticized Romney for supporting the right of states to require parental consent for abortions for teenagers.

Romney supported the crime bill recently passed in Congress, another position which has drawn fire from Lakian.

Lakian's primary campaign issue has been his support for a federal flat tax to replace the current tax system. Romney has rejected such a proposal.

Although the campaign has recently descended into internecine bickering, Romney has enjoyed a comfortable lead for most of the campaign and all indications are he will face Kennedy in November.