The death of U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy has triggered a round of tributes from Virginia's political leaders, paying homage to a Democrat whose life and family made an indelible mark on American politics.
Partisan warriors from all sides of the political spectrum are paying homage to Kennedy, and here are some excerpts from the remarks of prominent Republican and Democrats. Here's a list that includes the remarks of President Barack Obama, we'll continue to update this as more condolences roll in.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine
“I am saddened by the news this morning of the passing of a great and gracious statesman. Senator Kennedy was an undeniable force in the halls of Congress and touched countless lives in his five decades of public service. Like his brothers before him, Senator Kennedy unfailingly kept the most vulnerable citizens closest to his heart, and I will greatly miss his compassionate voice and remarkable leadership.
“On behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell
"Senator Kennedy worked passionately for the causes and issues in which he believed. He was deeply committed to public service. While I didn't agree with the Senator on many issues, I always respected his passion and commitment and the great service of the Kennedy family to the country. We need more of it in public service. My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy's family and friends in this difficult time."
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Creigh Deeds:
"It’s a very sad day for a storied family," said Sen. Deeds. "Senator Kennedy had a huge impact on the work of the United States Senate for many years. He had a long legacy of working in a bipartisan manner to get things done in the Senate, especially in the areas of health care and public education. My condolences and prayers go out to the Kennedy family."
Republican Party of Virginia chairman Pat Mullins
“On behalf of the Republican Party of Virginia, I extend condolences and sympathy to the Kennedy family, his legion of friends and admirers and those who worked on his staff.
“Throughout the second half of the 20th Century and into the 21st, Sen. Kennedy and his family were passionate public servants. He was a giant in the Senate and fiercely battled for his ideals and principles on nearly every important issue facing this nation over five decades.
“Though we did not always agree with his policies, Sen. Kennedy’s steadfast devotion to the issues he believed in was legendary and to be respected. I send my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. May God be with them as they cope with his passing.”
Democratic Party chairman Richard Cranwell
Today we mourn the loss of one the greatest public servants in American history with the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. A longtime leader of the Democratic Party, Senator Kennedy was one of the most respected members of the U.S. Senate, on both sides of the aisle, and his commitment to service was matched by few. Born into privilege, he spent his career fighting for the common good for every American, but especially those who weren't as fortunate as he. Senator Kennedy was an inspiration to millions, and will be sorely missed by the Commonwealth, but we will continue his pursuit of equality for all, and fight every day to make this country a better place to live in. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and devoted staff during this difficult time
U.S. Sen. Jim Webb
“I have tremendous respect for Senator Kennedy and the impact he had on our entire congressional body. He was highly regarded on both sides of the aisle. He had a wonderful sense of humor. And he brought great passion to the issues that he pursued. His ability to talk to people of all philosophical persuasions was of great value to our process. I am very fortunate to have been able to spend a few years working alongside him in the U.S. Senate.”
President Barack Obama
I wanted to say a few words this morning about the passing of an extraordinary leader, Senator Edward Kennedy. Over the past several years, I've had the honor to call Teddy a colleague, a counselor, and a friend. And even though we have known this day was coming for some time now, we awaited it with no small amount of dread.
Since Teddy's diagnosis last year, we've seen the courage with which he battled his illness. And while these months have no doubt been difficult for him, they've also let him hear from people in every corner of our nation and from around the world just how much he meant to all of us. His fight has given us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you -- and goodbye.
The outpouring of love, gratitude, and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity, in families that know new opportunity, in children who know education's promise, and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just -- including myself.
The Kennedy name is synonymous with the Democratic Party. And at times, Ted was the target of partisan campaign attacks. But in the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth, and good cheer. He could passionately battle others and do so peerlessly on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintain warm friendships across party lines.
And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.
His extraordinary life on this earth has come to an end. And the extraordinary good that he did lives on. For his family, he was a guardian. For America, he was the defender of a dream.
I spoke earlier this morning to Senator Kennedy's beloved wife, Vicki, who was to the end such a wonderful source of encouragement and strength. Our thoughts and prayers are with her, his children Kara, Edward, and Patrick; his stepchildren Curran and Caroline; the entire Kennedy family; decades' worth of his staff; the people of Massachusetts; and all Americans who, like us, loved Ted Kennedy.
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