‘Sharon and I are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news of Senator Ted Kennedy’s passing.
‘The American people and the United States Senate have lost a touchstone. The cause of justice has lost its bravest and boldest champion. And I have lost a very dear friend.
‘Because of Senator Ted Kennedy, we became a better, stronger, more inclusive nation. For 46 years, he was a legislative lion who gave voice to the voiceless – fighting for working families, civil rights, women’s rights, health care for all, and transforming the lives of children, seniors, and Americans with disabilities. And in his private life he worked tirelessly to impact so many people with endless human acts of kindness that were never known to most but will always be treasured – he never stopped reaching to help people at every turn.
‘Nearly every piece of legislation passed in the United States Senate bore his imprint and reflected his commitment to making life better for every American. It has been my honor to lock arms with him in many of these efforts – including the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Serve America Act, which inspires young people to serve their country through public service.
‘Ted and his family reached amazing heights and they inspired a nation – and each and every day of his life honored the fallen heroes we will always cherish.
‘West Virginians had a special connection with Senator Kennedy and his entire family – he visited our state frequently over the years, and I was proud to welcome him here many times.
‘So many West Virginians were touched by Senator Kennedy’s loving hand and their lives were improved by his tireless leadership. Together, we are all forever grateful for his service and his kind heart and we will miss him dearly. Now he belongs to the ages.’
By Ky. Lt. Governor and U.S. Senate Candidate Daniel Mongiardo
‘I join the the nation in mourning the loss of a remarkable leader and American, Ted Kennedy, Lion of the Senate. Throughout his life, Senator Kennedy successfully fought to improve the lives of everyday Americans---with a unique ability to work across party lines to build a better country. His passing is truly the end of an era. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers go out to his family.’
U.S. Representative Nick Rahall
‘Senator Kennedy was a great statesman and a true leader, who cared deeply about America’s future,’ said Rahall. ‘He had an unwavering dedication to improve education and healthcare and throughout his remarkable and stellar career, Senator Kennedy boldly championed landmark legislation to improve the lives of all Americans.’
‘I extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Senator Kennedy’s wife and family, and hope they take comfort in knowing that his legend and legacy carries on in the hearts and memories of a grateful nation.’
By Sen. Robert C. Byrd
‘I had hoped and prayed that this day would never come. My heart and soul weeps at the lost of my best friend in the Senate, my beloved friend, Ted Kennedy.’
‘Senator Kennedy and I both witnessed too many wars in our lives, and believed too strongly in the Constitution of the United States to allow us to go blindly into war. That is why we stood side by side in the Senate against the war in Iraq.’
‘Neither years of age nor years of political combat, nor his illness, diminished the idealism and energy of this talented, imaginative, and intelligent man. And that is the kind of Senator Ted Kennedy was. Throughout his career, Senator Kennedy believed in a simple premise: that our society’s greatness lies in its ability and willingness to provide for its less fortunate members. Whether striving to increase the minimum wage, ensuring that all children have medical insurance, or securing better access to higher education, Senator Kennedy always showed that he cares deeply for those whose needs exceed their political clout. Unbowed by personal setbacks or by the terrible sorrows that have fallen upon his family, his spirit continued to soar, and he continued to work as hard as ever to make his dreams a reality.’
‘In his honor and as a tribute to his commitment to his ideals, let us stop the shouting and name calling and have a civilized debate on health care reform which I hope, when legislation has been signed into law, will bear his name for his commitment to insuring the health of every American.’
‘God bless his wife Vicki, his family, and the institution that he served so ably, which will never be the same without his voice of eloquence and reason. And God bless you Ted. I love you and will miss you terribly.’
‘In my autobiography I wrote that during a visit to West Virginia in 1968 to help dedicate the ‘Robert F. Kennedy Youth Center’ in Morgantown, ‘Senator Kennedy’s voice quivered with emotion as he talked of his late brothers and their love for West Virginia. ‘These hills, these people, and this state have had a very special meaning for my family. Our lives have been tightly intertwined with yours.’’
‘I am sure the people of the great state of West Virginia join me in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the Kennedy family at this moment of deep sorrow.’
By W.Va. State Treasurer
John D. Perdue
“Ted Kennedy was a man of the people – one who never shied away from challenges and worked hard to make sure those without a voice were heard,” said Perdue, who campaigned with Kennedy during the 2004 election and more recently campaigned with Ted Kennedy, Jr. in 2007. “Today, it is with heavy hearts that my wife Robin and I join our fellow West Virginians in lifting up our prayers for the life of Senator Kennedy and his family. He will surely be missed.
“The people of West Virginia have had an undeniable connection with the Kennedys for nearly 50 years. It is on days like today that we should not only celebrate and remember the life of Ted Kennedy, but also recommit ourselves to what he did so well – serve the people of our state and nation.”
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