After news broke Friday that Ed Koch had died, various political luminaries — from the Northeast and elsewhere, Democrats and Republicans — took to Twitter to pay tribute to the former New York City mayor.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I):
We’ve lost an irrepressible icon, our most charismatic cheerleader and champion. Mayor Koch was a great mayor, a great man & a great friend.
— NYC Mayor’s Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) February 1, 2013
We will miss Mayor Koch dearly, but his good works – and his wit and wisdom – will forever be a part of the city he loved so much.
— NYC Mayor’s Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) February 1, 2013
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D):
With the passing of Ed Koch, New York has lost one of our most admired public leaders
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) February 1, 2013
Ed Koch embodied the highest ideals of public service & his life was dedicated toward making NY-the city&our state-a better place for all
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) February 1, 2013
On behalf of all New Yorkers, I send my condolences to his family and friends — Gov’s full stmt on passing of Ed Koch: governor.ny.gov/press/02012013…
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) February 1, 2013
Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld:
The country lost a good one today. It was an honor to serve in Congress with him. Rest in Peace, Ed. #EdKoch
— Donald Rumsfeld (@RumsfeldOffice) February 1, 2013
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY):
Deeply saddened by the passing of Mayor Ed Koch–a true champion for New Yorkers. My thoughts & prayers are with his friends & family.
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) February 1, 2013
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY):
NYers will miss Ed Koch, his service to the city & his towering presence
— Chuck Schumer (@ChuckSchumer) February 1, 2013
Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker (D):
He was raised in Newark, NJ. We 2 consider him a son of our city. A great life off service. #RIPEdKoch RT @kel32775: Thoughts on Mayor Koch?
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) February 1, 2013
Christine Quinn, speaker of the New York City Council and expected Democratic mayoral candidate:
All of New York City is in mourning today as we say goodbye to a greatmayor, a great man, and a great friend.
— Christine C. Quinn (@ChrisCQuinn) February 1, 2013
Mayor Koch was larger than life. He stood taller than the bridge that bears his name. His sense of humor personified this town. He was NY.
— Christine C. Quinn (@ChrisCQuinn) February 1, 2013
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA):
Rest in peace @mayoredkoch. You will be greatly missed.
— Eric Cantor (@EricCantor) February 1, 2013
David Axelrod, longtime adviser to President Barack Obama:
As a cub reporter, I covered Ed Koch, then a liberal, anti-war Congressman. Love him or hate him, he was a NYC original!
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) February 1, 2013
Rep. Pete King (R-NY):
I am terribly saddened by passing of Mayor Ed Koch. True friend & trusted advisor. NY’s Mayor for Life is now NY’s Mayor for eternity. RIP
— Rep. Pete King (@RepPeteKing) February 1, 2013