The Hiller Instinct: High Risk, High Reward

Robinson
"Well, I'll let you know in November."

All that stands between this smile and the United States senate is this political mountain, Ted Kennedy. But Jack E. Robinson III believes he can climb it.

Robinson
"Massachusetts has had Senator Kennedy now for almost 40 years and perhaps it's time for a change now."

But perhaps not, since Kennedy gets strong support in recent polls of his job performance and popularity. And he's easily beaten inexperienced republican challengers before, including Ray Shamie, Joe Malone, and in his last election, Mitt Romney. Now comes another neophyte.

Hiller
"Ever run for public office before?"

Robinson
"No, I have absolutely no political experience whatsoever."

And not much experience in Massachusetts either.

Hiller
"You live in Connecticut and are coming back to run."

Robinson
"Well I've always had assets here, homes here, my car's registered here, so I never really felt that I've left Massachusetts."

Hiller
"In the past year, how many days have you been in Massachusetts?"

Robinson
"I'd say fewer than 90."

But Robinson cannot be ignored. If for no other reason than he's made millions in high tech and is ready to spend one million of it on this campaign.

Robinson
"Well, clearly it would be a risky investment, because I am clearly the underdog. But usually there's a saying in the business world, 'high risk, high reward.'"

Late this afternoon, Jack E. Robinson found out how rough a senate race here can get before he's even officially in it. After 7 News was told Robinson was arrested, once, for drunk driving and again, for speeding in Massachusetts in the mid-1980's and that a former Massachusetts girlfriend was granted a restraining order against him two years ago. Robinson was forced to confirm on the phone that all those charges are true. He told me he was going to make it all public next week. But as he gets ready to run, he may already be running late.