Although not completely unexpected, the death of Senator Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy is still a blow. The loss of the last of the four brothers – the eldest, Joe, died in a plane crash in WWII – leaves just one sister, Jean, of the clan of nine siblings.
The memorials are pouring in but for this child of the 1960s, the death of Ted is a reminder of what has come before and who is left. I have often thought of Ted Kennedy as the last of the true liberals. I am saddened by his demise.
Statements from others, as I receive them, will be added to this post below the fold.
Statement of Governor Tim 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.”
Statement from the Virginia Young Democrats:
“Senator Kennedy was an inspirational, young-at-heart Democrat. Our hearts go out to his family, his staff, and to the Massachusetts Young Democrats, who have lost a great ally and friend,” said Sean Holihan, president of the Virginia Young Democrats. “More than 1.2 million Virginians do not have any health insurance. That number is highest among recent college graduates. Young Democrats in Virginia will press on, and work to make sure that Senator Kennedy’s dream never dies. Affordable health care for all Virginians must be made a reality. “
Statement of DNC Chair Tim Kaine:
Today we mourn the loss of one the greatest and most consequential political figures in American history with the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy.
Senator Kennedy was adored by millions of Americans and was respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his energy, his passion, his humor, his compassion, his friendship and above all his commitment to serve his country in pursuit of a more common good for every American.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Senator Kennedy devoted his entire adult life – in the great tradition of the Kennedy family – to public service. And, in his forty-six years in the Senate, Senator Kennedy’s primary focus – and the legacy he will be most remembered for – will be his work to improve the plight of ordinary Americans, to empower the powerless and to end the scourge of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and economic background that was all too prevalent in an earlier time.
For his efforts to ensure civil and voting rights for minorities to equal rights for women, Senator Kennedy was a champion. For providing health care to millions of our nation’s children to fighting for the cause and rights of workers and organized labor, Senator Kennedy was a hero. For working to improve education and educational opportunities for children and college students to fighting for the security and dignity of older Americans, Senator Kennedy was an icon. And, for his career-long pursuit of quality, affordable health care for every American, a cause he was devoted to until the very end, Senator Kennedy was an inspiration to millions of Americans who are fighting today for that just cause.
In the Senate, he was called the Lion. To the Democratic Party whose values and ideals were embodied in and shaped by this great man, he was a giant. To the American people, he will be remembered as one of the greatest and most accomplished legislators in American history. And to his family he will be remembered as a father, a husband, an uncle, a brother, a grandfather and a friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kennedy family as we mourn the loss and celebrate the extraordinary life of Senator Edward Moore Kennedy.
From Senator Mark Warner:
“Senator Kennedy’s death saddens all of us, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family as we mourn this loss. His approach to issues and legislation was respected by all members of the Senate. His legislative accomplishments reflected both his commitment to his principles — and a willingness to cross party lines and find common ground. He brought passion and devotion to the causes he fought for, but always treated his opponents with respect. Senator Kennedy’s approach should be a model for all of us who serve in public life.”
From Republican gubernatorial candidate 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.”
From RPV Chair 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 who often captured the imagination of millions of Americans. 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.”
From Democratic gubernatorial candidate 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.”
From DPVA chair Dickie 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.
From Senator 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.”
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 