Obama: Kennedy “The Greatest United States Senator Of Our Time”
President Obama released a statement last night on the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA). For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts,” said Obama, later adding: “An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.”
Reid: “It Was The Thrill Of My Lifetime To Work With Ted Kennedy”
Senate Majority Leader Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has also released a statement. “It was the thrill of my lifetime to work with Ted Kennedy. He was a friend, the model of public service and an American icon,” said Reid, later adding: “The liberal lion’s mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die.”
Nancy Reagan: “I Considered Him An Ally And A Dear Friend”
Prominent Republicans are also chiming in on the public mourning of Ted Kennedy. “Given our political differences, people are sometimes surprised by how close Ronnie and I have been to the Kennedy family,” said former First Lady Nancy Reagan. “But Ronnie and Ted could always find common ground, and they had great respect for one another. In recent years, Ted and I found our common ground in stem cell research, and I considered him an ally and a dear friend. I will miss him.”
Gordon Brown: “I Am Proud To Have Counted Him As A Friend”
Political leaders from around the world are also offering their condolences on Kennedy’s death. Said British Prime Minister Gordon Brown: “Even facing illness and death he never stopped fighting for the causes which were his life’s work. I am proud to have counted him as a friend and proud that the United Kingdom recognized his service earlier this year with the award of an honorary knighthood.”
Irish PM: Kennedy “Worked Valiantly For The Cause Of Peace On This Island”
Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen hailed Kennedy’s contributions to his country. “In good days and bad, Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island,” said Cowen. He added: “America has lost a great and respected statesman and Ireland has lost a longstanding and true friend.”
Kennedy’s Seat Likely To Remain Vacant Until Special Election
Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat will now be filled by a special election, to be held within the next 145-160 days. The current law, which was enacted by state Democrats in 2004 when John Kerry was running for president and Republican Mitt Romney was governor, bars an interim appointee by the governor. Potential Democratic candidates include state Attorney General Martha Coakley, Reps. Stephen Lynch, Michael Capuano, Ed Markey, James McGovern and William Delahunt, and former Rep. Marty Meehan.
Kennedy’s Death Leaves One Remaining Sibling
Ted Kennedy’s death leaves one remaining Kennedy sibling from his generation. Jean Kennedy Smith, born in 1928, served five years as Ambassador to Ireland under President Bill Clinton. Of the nine children of Joseph and Rose Kennedy, three became U.S. Senators, and one of those three was also President of the United States.
Ed. note: More public statements on Kennedy’s passing can be read here. You can also view TPM’s collection of videos on Kennedy’s life. And follow TPMDC’s complete coverage of Kennedy’s death here.
