So far Kennedy, named for cold warrior Maxwell Taylor, has played his cards well. Paying proper homage to Moakley — both by attending the emotional press conference at which Moakley announced his decision to step down and by visiting Moakley in Washington — got Kennedy started on the right path. The same cannot be said for Senator Brian Joyce of Milton, who filled out the paperwork to form a federal-campaign committee this week and alienated Moakley by making fundraising calls the day the congressman announced his illness.

Getting Moakley’s blessing is key to a successful run. It’s not his endorsement per se — everybody agrees that endorsements don’t mean that much anymore (though Moakley’s, under the circumstances, would arguably sway voters). It’s his organization. Moakley’s operatives know the district from the inside out. Most of the candidates mentioned for the race have a distinct geographic base, such as Senator Marc Pacheco of Taunton, but few carry name recognition and support throughout the district. Kennedy needs the help of Moakley’s organization to be a credible candidate — although his famous name doesn’t hurt either.

Even an endorsement from Moakley won’t guarantee smooth sailing for Kennedy. Sentiment in South Boston is cold toward him. In a town where state-representative candidates work their way up through the ranks as drivers and coat-holders, celebrity candidates don’t carry much weight. Even the now-sainted John F. Kennedy was viewed by Southie locals as a spoiled rich kid profiting from his father’s reputation. Senator Ted Kennedy ran into opposition in the community when he supported busing, and he had to work hard to win South Boston’s loyalty with his committed pro-labor stands.

The good news for Max Kennedy is that he doesn’t have to win South Boston to win the election. All Kennedy needs to do is win a number of Southie’s many new voters and do well consistently throughout the suburbs. Says Democratic strategist Mary Anne Marsh: “You get one chance to make a good impression, and Max certainly has that.”