"Since the assassination of my father in 1968, candidates for president are provided Secret Service protection. But not me," Kennedy tweeted.

"Our campaign's request included a 67-page report from the world's leading protection firm, detailing unique and well established security and safety risks aside from commonplace death threats."

The law authorizes Secret Service protection for major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses within 120 days of the general presidential election. However, the evolution of the protective detail is based upon actual threats and acts of aggression against both the highest public office in the land and those who seek the position.

History shows there is precedent for candidates receiving protection >120 days ahead of the general election.