WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -- U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill made the following statement Wednesday on the passing of her colleague U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy. Kennedy served in the U.S. Senate for nearly 47 years.
“This man was so much more than his image,” McCaskill said. “While his vision soared, the power of his personality and the magnet of his intellect drew his colleagues to the table of compromise. It was there he did his best work. His love for the little guy and his affection for the underdog influenced everything he did. And importantly, his sense of humor and contagious laughter made him real and approachable in spite of his power and privilege.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Senator Kit Bond Wednesday issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA):
“The State of Massachusetts and the nation have lost an outstanding Senator. For more than 40 years Ted has used his position in the Senate to fight for working families in his home state and across the country.
“Senator Kennedy was not only known as a tremendous public servant, but also as a gentleman within the halls of Congress. He was a great ally when we worked together and friendly and courteous – yet formidable – when we disagreed.
“Linda and my thoughts and prayers are with Ted’s wife, Vicki, and the entire Kennedy family.”
Over the years Senator Bond and Kennedy partnered on issues important to children and families such as the Family Medical Leave Act, birth defects prevention, Community Health Centers, children’s hospitals, Parents as Teachers, improving child care, poison control centers, arthritis treatment. Bond and Kennedy also worked together on ensuring our military has the combat-proven Super Hornet fighter plane.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Senator Tom Harkin On the Passing of Senator Edward Kennedy
“Today my thoughts are with the Kennedy family as they mourn the loss of their father, grandfather, husband and patriarch. Their grief is shared by all of us in Congress who have lost a friend and role model. I personally was honored to serve with Ted Kennedy and call him my friend.
“In Ted, Americans had a staunch advocate for the rights worth protecting: ensuring a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, making sure that every kid has the education and opportunity they deserve and the cause of his life, access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. I worked side-by-side with him to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act and will never forget his compassion for individuals with disabilities and the opportunity he gave me as a young senator to spearhead that legislation.
“As Congress continues its work on these and many other issues, we will remember Ted Kennedy every step of the way. The liberal lion no longer roams the halls of Congress, but his legacy remains.
“We must now rededicate our efforts toward passing legislation to provide robust, quality health insurance coverage for all Americans.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Senator Chuck Grassley issued the following comment regarding Senator Ted Kennedy.
“The United States Senate will never be the same without Ted Kennedy. His presence was enormous. He fought hard, debated intensely and worked tirelessly for what he thought was right. Senator Kennedy and I had a different point of view on most every issue, but he was an ally like few others when he was on your side. Senator Kennedy leaves a legacy as a public servant and policy maker, and my wife Barbara joins me in sending our deepest sympathy to his family.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Kiernan's Statement on Senator Kennedy's Passing:
"Sen. Edward Kennedy was a champion for those whose voices too often go unheard in American political life: people living in poverty, with disabilities, those without health care. His spirit will live on in the work of millions across Iowa, the nation and the world.
Many Iowa Democrats, including myself, were first inspired to political action by the example of Sen. Kennedy and his family.
His personal courage and singular determination to achieve his goals, in the Senate and in life, stand as a shining example of the difference one person can make. While he was a towering figure, he made each of us believe we had a contribution to make to the cause. In that way, in Sen. Kennedy’s historic words: “For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”
On behalf of all Iowa Democrats, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the Kennedy family in this difficult time."
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)