“Ted Kennedy was an American legend. He was the ultimate consensus builder who never sacrificed his principles. He was a tireless fighter who, even when I and others disagreed with his ideas, won our admiration for working across both sides of the political aisle, with every president he served regardless of party, and with more conservative members of his own party to find solutions to very difficult problems.”
- Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb.
* * * *
"I am saddened by the news of Senator Kennedy's death. As someone just beginning my service as a U.S. senator, I admire not only his passion and dedication, but also his mastery of the Senate. No one can question his influence as a giant in American politics, yet he is also recognized this day by colleagues on both sides of the aisle as a man of great personal kindness and charm. Steph and I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the entire Kennedy family."
- Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb.
* * * *
"I personally was honored to serve with Ted Kennedy and call him my friend. In Ted, Americans had a staunch advocate for the rights worth protecting: ensuring a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, making sure that every kid has the education and opportunity they deserve and the cause of his life, access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans."
- Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.
* * * *
“The United States Senate will never be the same without Ted Kennedy. His presence was enormous. He fought hard, debated intensely and worked tirelessly for what he thought was right. Senator Kennedy and I had a different point of view on most every issue, but he was an ally like few others when he was on your side. Senator Kennedy leaves a legacy as a public servant and policy maker, and my wife Barbara joins me in sending our deepest sympathy to his family.”
- Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.
* * * *
“On behalf of the Nebraska Republican Party I would like to extend my condolences to the Kennedy family. Senator Kennedy reached across the aisle and made friends with members of the Republican Party. He understood compromise was necessary in the Senate Chambers, and that type of mindset is hard to come by these days.”
- Mark Fahleson, Nebraska GOP chairman
* * * *
"Sen. Edward Kennedy was a champion for those whose voices too often go unheard in American political life: people living in poverty, with disabilities, those without health care. His spirit will live on in the work of millions across Iowa, the nation and the world."
- Iowa Democratic Party Chair Michael Kiernan.
Copyright ©2012 Omaha World-Herald®. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, displayed or redistributed for any purpose without permission from the Omaha World-Herald.
