http://cnnwire.blogs.cnn.com/2009/08/26/reactions-to-edward-kennedys-death/Editor’s note: CNN Wire will update this story as reactions are offered in the death.
Harry Reid, Senate majority leader (D-Nevada)
“Because of Ted Kennedy, more young children could afford to become healthy. More young adults could afford to become students. More of our oldest citizens and our poorest citizens could get the care they need to live longer, fuller lives. More minorities, women and immigrants could realize the rights our founding documents promised them. And more Americans could be proud of their country. Ted Kennedy’s dream was the one for which the founding fathers fought and for which his brothers sought to realize. The liberal lion’s mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die.”
Reid: Senate has 'lost its patriarch'
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_kennedy_reid Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid says both the Kennedy family and the Senate have "lost our patriarch" with the death of Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.
Kennedy died late Tuesday after battling a brain tumor. He was 77.
Reid promised that Congress, while mourning Kennedy's loss, would renew the push for the cause of Kennedy's life, health care reform.
"Ted Kennedy's dream was the one for which the founding fathers fought and for which his brothers sought to realize," Reid said in a statement. "The liberal lion's mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die."Nancy Reagan, former first lady
“Given our political differences, people are sometimes surprised by how close Ronnie and I have been to the Kennedy family. 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.”
Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah)
“Today America lost a great elder statesman, a committed public servant, and leader of the Senate. And today I lost a treasured friend.
“Ted Kennedy was an iconic, larger than life United States senator whose influence cannot be overstated. Many have come before, and many will come after, but Ted Kennedy’s name will always be remembered as someone who lived and breathed the United States Senate and the work completed within its chamber.”
Nancy Pelosi, House speaker
“Sadly, Senator Kennedy left us exactly one year after he inspired the nation with his speech of optimism, vitality and courage at the (Democratic National) Convention in Denver (Colorado). Rooted in his deep patriotism, his abiding faith, and his deep concern for the least among us, no one has done more than Senator Kennedy to educate our children, care for our seniors, and ensure equality for all Americans.”
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is married to Kennedy’s niece Maria Shriver
“Maria and I are immensely saddened by the passing of Uncle Teddy. He was known to the world as the “Lion of the Senate,” a champion of social justice, and a political icon. Most importantly, he was the rock of our family: a loving husband, father, brother and uncle. He was a man of great faith and character.”
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown:
"Edward Kennedy will be mourned, not just in America but on every continent."
Kennedy a 'great friend of Australia'
Mr Rudd said the senator was a great American, a great Democrat and a great friend of Australia.
"He has made an extraordinary contribution to American politics and extraordinary contribution to America's role in the world," Mr Rudd told Sky News
Mr Rudd said Senator Kennedy's legislative career spanned more than 40 years and the breadth of public policy from health, to social and foreign policy.
"This has been a unique career. Ted Kennedy will be sadly missed in America, he will be sadly missed around the world, including in Australia," he said.
RIP Senator Kennedy you'll be very much missed!