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Gov. Bill Richardson, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish and the Republican Party of New Mexico reacted to news today that U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy has died.
Richardson released the following statement regarding Kennedy’s passing.
Ted Kennedy was a gladiator for protecting people who need help. He was probably responsible for my first victory in Congress, and became a political mentor of mine. His legacy is one of legislative excellence, compassion and as a protector for those who have been left behind.
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish said this of the senator’s passing:
Ted Kennedy was sent to the Senate by the people of Massachusetts, but he was a public servant for the entire nation. The Senator was a true statesman in every sense of the word. His legislative accomplishments have bettered the lives of countless American workers, children and families. He championed the cause of female athletes through Title 9. And he fought for health care for American families every day, even in his closing days. Senator Kennedy was a man who gave his last full measure of devotion to the American people.
Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Harvey Yates Jr. also issued a statement on Kennedy’s death:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family during this difficult time. For nearly five decades, Senator Kennedy served this country with dedication and passion. During his lengthy career, Senator Kennedy earned a reputation for setting aside partisan attitudes for the sake of friendship. For this he was well respected and will be remembered.
UPDATE: The New Mexico Democratic Party, meanwhile, had this to say about the senator’s passing:
The DPNM is greatly saddened to hear of the death of Senator Ted Kennedy last night from a brain tumor. We truly feel that it is a loss for our entire country.
Kennedy, 77, had been a member of the Senate since 1962, at which time he was the youngest member of the Senate. He was the third longest serving Senator in American history. A photo retrospective on his life can be viewed here.
A champion of disability rights, human rights, civil rights and appropriately health care reform, Kennedy battled other politicians in the name of these causes, but still maintained friendships across the oft divisive party line which characterizes much of America’s political landscape.
Tributes to his legacy are a testament to this unique ability of Kennedy’s — that he can work with the opposition and achieve results for all Americans, regardless of party affiliation. John Boehner (R-OH), the House Republican leader stated, “while there were few issues on which he and I agreed, our relationship was never disagreeable, and was always marked by good humor, hard work, and a desire to find common ground.”
Kennedy’s life goal in the Senate was to achieve comprehensive health care reform for the United States. He realized that health care was a human right, and in pursuing this goal, sought to convince other lawmakers that insomuch as health care was a human right, the debate surrounding it was not one of political preferences, but one of morality.
Kennedy’s morality and ability to work with all members of Congress also led credibility to his stewardship of our Democratic Party and the countless leaders around our country who credit him with helping them make a difference in their own careers, Governor Richardson included.
Vice President Biden gave Kennedy one of the more compassionate set of remarks to be offered to far: (Other tributes from national leaders and world leaders can be viewed here.)
