McCaskill, Bond React to Kennedy's Passing

Sen. Claire McCaskill and Sen. Kit Bond both remembered Ted Kennedy not only for his public service, but for his humor and gentlemanly nature.

MCCASKILL STATEMENT:
"This man was so much more than his image. While his vision soared, the power of his personality and the magnet of his intellect drew his colleagues to the table of compromise. It was there he did his best work. His love for the little guy and his affection for the underdog influenced everything he did. And importantly, his sense of humor and contagious laughter made him real and approachable in spite of his power and privilege."




BOND STATEMENT:
"The State of Massachusetts and the nation have lost an outstanding Senator. For more than 40 years Ted has used his position in the Senate to fight for working families in his home state and across the country. Senator Kennedy was not only known as a tremendous public servant, but also a gentleman within the halls of Congress. He was a great ally when we worked together and friendly and courteous -- yet formidable -- when we disagreed," he said.

"Linda and my thoughts and prayers are with Ted’s wife, Vicki, and the entire Kennedy family," Bond's statement read. Bond's release goes on to say that "over the years Senator Bond and Kennedy partnered on issues important to children and families such as the Family Medical Leave Act, birth defects prevention, Community Health Centers, children’s hospitals, Parents as Teachers, improving child care, poison control centers, arthritis treatment. Bond and Kennedy also worked together on ensuring our military has the combat-proven Super Hornet fighter plane."

ROY BLUNT STATEMENT:

"In the years I knew Ted Kennedy, I always enjoyed spending time with him. He was a relentless advocate for the things he believed in, and, on the rare occasion we were on the same side, as with our efforts on behalf of Special Olympics, he was a tremendous ally. He always fought passionately for his principles and was regularly a formidable adversary. My thoughts and prayers are with my congressional colleague Patrick, Ted’s wife Vicky, and the rest of his family."