And Weld's program even interests liberal voters, said Dick Hersum, president of the Association of Massachusetts Republican Committees.

"A really liberal Democrats candidate was telling me how many of her Democratic friends will vote for Weld and Romney," he said. "Unless something really strange happens, I don't think [the Democratic nominee] will beat Bill Weld."

While most of the guests at Weld's party wore business suits, Kennedy primarily addressed a crowd of casually dressed supporters, including many women.

"I think he's attracted a lot of women because he's a proponent for women's rights," said Rochelle E. Dacko, a sophomore at Boston University who attended Kennedy's party.

But Dacko said she was disappointed that the Kennedy rally attracted only ten college students.

Among the hundreds of the Kennedy faithful was Jerry R. Pearl swig, a 53 year-old Brookline government employee and self-described Kennedy "groupie." Pearl swig said he has followed the Senator throughout his political career, including during his unsuccessful 1980 presidential campaign.

"I've voted for him a million times," Pearlswig said. "I enjoy following him around taking pictures of him."

Carmen A. Chico, a 51 year old Watertown educator and coordinator of Kennedy's campaign events for Hispanic voters, said Hispanic voters will also support Kennedy.

"I don't see how the Hispanic community can rally around Romney," Chico said. How will these people, fight Kennedy with his record on issues?"