[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Here is the OFFICIAL information from the Secret Service's own website:

http://www.ustreas.gov/usss/protection.shtml

Authorization

Today, the Secret Service is authorized by law to protect:

the President, the Vice President, (or other individuals next in order of succession to the Office of the President), the President-elect and Vice President-elect;
the immediate families of the above individuals;
former Presidents, their spouses for their lifetimes, except when the spouse re-marries. In 1997, Congressional legislation became effective limiting Secret Service protection to former Presidents for a period of not more than 10 years from the date the former President leaves office.
children of former presidents until age 16;
visiting heads of foreign states or governments and their spouses traveling with them, other distinguished foreign visitors to the United States, and official representatives of the United States performing special missions abroad;
major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, and their spouses within 120 days of a general Presidential election.

[irgn]

Yep, and it looks like Monseiur Kerry just stepped up into that 'major' category after last night.

[petitfour]

Yep. Kerry, by law, will have to wait until July for SS protection. I guess Mrs. Heinz will either have to pay for her hub's security, or the DNC, or Congress will have to change the law. Wonder how Kerry voted on that bill in 1997.