New York Leaders On The Passing Of Senator Ted Kennedy

by: robert.harding

Wed Aug 26, 2009 at 16:13:25 PM EDT

Some of New York's leaders took time to remember the Lion of the Senate today.

Governor David Paterson:

"It is with profound grief that I learned the news of Senator Edward Kennedy's passing late last night.

"Senator Kennedy took his seat in the United States Senate in 1962, and from the moment he was sworn in, he fought for the progressive principles and ideas that he held so close to his heart. Over the course of 47 years in the Senate, he was an unstoppable force for peace, civil rights, expanding access to health care, improving education, reforming our immigration system and encouraging national and community service. It is fair to say that Senator Kennedy influenced every important issue that affected our nation for the past half century, and on every issue, he stood for justice and compassion.

"Senator Kennedy was the Lion of the Senate and one of the most consequential figures of the 20th century. He was intimately familiar with the Senate's levers of power, and knew how and in what order to pull them. His mastery of the legislative process is unparalleled in our time, and he stands on par with giants like Webster and Clay. Still, first and foremost, he was a friend to regular Americans. He was a fighter for our needs. He was a true American hero.

"And so today, Americans mourn the loss of our great champion, but we also rejoice in what he lived for. As Senator Kennedy said of his brother Robert, so can be said of him: 'He gave us strength in time of trouble, wisdom in time of uncertainty and sharing in time of happiness.'

"Senator Kennedy may be gone, but the impression he left on this nation and its people remains. The values he spent his life fighting for stand eternal. His dream for a better future lives. On behalf of my family and all of the people of the State of New York, I offer the Kennedy family my condolences on this great loss. I hope that they, and all of the Senator's friends, colleagues and supporters, can take comfort from the knowledge that America is a safer, freer and more just nation thanks to Ted Kennedy."

Senator Chuck Schumer:

"Ted Kennedy was a mentor, a guiding light, and a close friend -- we all loved the man. In the Senate, Ted Kennedy was our sun - the center of our universe. To be pulled by his strong gravitational field, to bask in his warmth was a privilege, an honor, and, for many of us, even a life changing experience. His death leaves our world dark but, as he said in his own words, 'the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.' Ted, we will not let your flag fall."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:

"Senator Kennedy's dedication for over four decades to help millions of our nation's children, seniors and families is an inspiration to me, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve with him in the United States Senate.

"While we have lost an American treasure today, Senator Kennedy's rich legacy, historic legislative record and deep commitment to positive change for all Americans will continue to be felt for generations to come.  

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family as they grieve over their loss."

New York State Democratic Chairwoman June O'Neill:

"The nation has lost the 'lion of the Senate' and a champion for those who are marginalized and disenfranchised in our country. Senator Kennedy was an American icon and a hero to millions who admired his strength, grace, intellect and conviction.

In 1980 I had the privilege of being elected a Ted Kennedy delegate to the Democratic National Convention held that year in Madison Square Garden. It was a memorable night when he gave one of the best, and most moving speeches of his career. He pledged then to fight for Americans who are unemployed and for national health care insurance.

Last year, as a delegate to the National Convention in Denver, I was among the thousands who were in the hall to see and hear Senator Kennedy deliver what would become his final major public address. There wasn't a dry eye in the house when he finished. He reminded us of how far we had come, and how far we have yet to go. He implored the country to support the 'passing of the torch to a new generation' and to make sure that health care became a right not a privilege. Ironically, that marvelous speech was delivered one year ago today. Although we mourn this great loss, Senator Kennedy's legacy lives on.

I have more statements from other state leaders below the fold.

"Last night, America lost a true patriot and dedicated public servant. Throughout his storied career in the U.S. Senate, which spanned nearly half a century, Ted Kennedy epitomized the courage, unwavering resolve and commitment to justice that is the hallmark of our nation.

"As an early champion of healthcare reform, it was Senator Kennedy's work and perseverance that brought us to where we are today- on the verge of sweeping reforms that will expand access to affordable healthcare coverage for everyone. From fighting for an increase to the federal minimum wage law to authoring the federal COBRA healthcare law, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Ryan White AIDS Care Act and the State Children's Health Insurance Program, Ted Kennedy's legacy will live on through the millions whose lives he touched.

"More than his legacy as a great legislator, Ted Kennedy represented the greater ideals of fairness that have made our country a beacon of hope the world over. In arguably his most famous speech, Ted Kennedy said, 'For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.' That is how Ted Kennedy will be remembered; as a person who lived to make other people's tomorrow better than today."

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:

With the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy, the nation has lost one of our most dynamic, influential and esteemed statesmen. For nearly five decades, Sen. Kennedy was an exemplary public servant and worked tirelessly to find solutions to problems faced by working Americans each day, most notably the obligation to provide health care to the uninsured and elderly.

Sen. Kennedy continued the legacy of his brothers, President John F. Kennedy and New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy and showed that through hard work, decency and bipartisanship our nation could solve the problems it faced.

My thoughts are with the Kennedy family as they mourn this extraordinary American.

Erie County Democratic Chairman Len Lenihan:

Although his remarkable life has ended, Senator Edward Kennedy's generosity of spirit will never die. Throughout a life of triumph and tragedy Ted Kennedy always kept his focus on serving those who did not have power and influence. He championed the needs of the less fortunate and was always a source of strength to those who were up against the odds in life. The Democratic Party has lost our best friend and our country has lost a statesman that we cannot replace. Those of us who care about public service and politics need to look to his example, shoulder on in his spirit, and know that we have been blessed by his life.

Congressman Scott Murphy (NY-20):

"Today, our country is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy - one of the most highly respected and deeply influential public servants of our time. Throughout Senator Kennedy's 50 years of service to our country, many who have served in public office have been touched by his ability to lead our country and shape our world. The spirit of his leadership and the love of his country will serve as inspiration for years to come.

"My thoughts and prayers are not only with the Kennedy family as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, brother and uncle, but with the entire country as we mourn the loss of a political icon. Senator Kennedy's legacy will live on forever in the hearts and minds of all Americans."

Congressman Dan Maffei (NY-25):

"I join with the rest of America in mourning the loss of a great icon and a champion for the less fortunate among us, Senator Edward Kennedy. My thoughts and prayers are with his son, my colleague and friend, Representative Patrick Kennedy, and the entire Kennedy family as they say goodbye to their patriarch."