Politicians React to Kennedy News

These statements are compiled from statements released on Tuesday.

From President George W. Bush:
"Laura and I are concerned to learn of our friend Senator Kennedy's diagnosis. Ted Kennedy is a man of tremendous courage, remarkable strength, and powerful spirit. Our thoughts are with Senator Kennedy and his family during this difficult period. We join our fellow Americans in praying for his full recovery."

From Senator Barack Obama (D-IL):
"Michelle and I were saddened to hear the news about Senator Kennedy's condition today, and we plan on doing whatever we can to support him, Vicki, and the entire Kennedy family during this time. Senator Kennedy has been a fighter for his entire life, and I have no doubt that he will fight as hard as he can to get through this. He has been there for the American people during some of our country's most trying moments, and now that he's facing his own, I ask all Americans to keep him in our thoughts and prayers."

From Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY):
"Ted Kennedy's courage and resolve are unmatched, and they have made him one of the greatest legislators in Senate history. Our thoughts are with him and Vicki and we are praying for a quick and full recovery."

From Senator John McCain (R-AZ):
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Kennedy and his family. We hope and pray his doctors will be able to effectively treat his condition and that he will experience a full recovery. I have described Ted Kennedy as the last lion in the Senate, and I have held that view because he remains the single most effective member of the Senate."

From Senator John Kerry (D-MA):
"Ted Kennedy and the Kennedy family have faced adversity more times, in more instances, with more courage and more determination and more grace than any family should ever have to face even just once.

"He's helped millions and millions of people, in so many ways, at so many different times, from countless big pieces of legislation in Washington to the most personal of issues.

"Now, everybody needs to pull together on behalf of Ted. We must pull for him and his family and remember that Teddy is one unbelievable fighter.

"Over the weekend, I saw him and he's in a fighting mood, and I'm confident that he will continue to draw strength from his tower of strength in Vicki, from each of his children and grandchildren, and from his unbelievably loving and caring family, both in Boston and from his extended family of Americans and people all over the world.

"I know that Ted is determined to fight this because he wants to continue his fight for the people of Massachusetts and he wants to continue to fight for everything that he believes in here in the United States Senate and throughout our country.

"Teresa's and my prayers — and the prayers of a nation — are with my good friend and his family in these most trying of times."

From Congressman William Delahunt (D-MA):
"My thoughts and prayers are with Ted Kennedy and his family. He is more than just my friend. He is a transcendent figure on our country's political stage. Over the past few days we have witnessed a tremendous outpouring of affection from all over the country and from every side of the political spectrum. Words can't adequately describe what he has meant to the social and political life of this country, to say nothing of what he's been able to accomplish for our state. He has never sacrificed a belief or a principal and has earned the admiration of his adversaries because of it. Today he faces perhaps his toughest fight. But we are hopeful and pray for his full recovery."

From Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-MA):
"Like so many across the country and across Massachusetts, my thoughts and prayers are with Ted, Vicki, my colleague Patrick, and the Kennedy family. Ted's tireless and legendary devotion to the causes of equal opportunity and health care for all Americans has benefited countless lives. His decades long commitment to this institution and to this country has earned him respect, admiration, and affection among his colleagues on both sides of the aisle and among the people of Massachusetts for generations, and I look forward to seeing him back in Congress very soon."

From Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA):
"The news about Senator Kennedy's health is disappointing to most Americans, and it is particularly sad news for those of us who've had the privilege of working under his leadership for Massachusetts, and for the goals he has championed. I hope that the great fighting spirit that has helped him win so many tough battles will continue to serve him well, and I hope the knowledge that hundreds of millions — if not more — people around the world are pulling for him will prove a source of strength at this difficult time."

From Congressman Michael Capuano (D-MA):
"Senator Kennedy has proven time and again what a fighter he is — and I have every confidence that his spunk and the miracles of modern medicine available in Boston will result in a full and speedy recovery. The people of Massachusetts need Ted and he won't let us down. My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy and his family at this time. I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to serving with him in Washington for many years to come. Senator Kennedy has touched countless lives and continues to have an impact on every major issue of our time. He is a fighter and we have never needed him more than we need him today."

From Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA):
"Ted Kennedy is the greatest Senator in American history and a tireless fighter for America's families. I know that he will take on this latest challenge with the same fighting spirit, strength and courage he has always shown. My thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife, Vicki, and his family. I look forward to seeing him fully recover and working with him for many, many more years to come."

From Boston Mayor Thomas Menino:
Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy and his family. I have faith that my friend will come through this with the same courage he has demonstrated throughout his life. For decades the people of Boston, this nation, and countries around the world have benefited from the Senator's energy, compassion, and commitment to those most in need. We have looked to our senior Senator in the most challenging times and we will continue to fight with him on issues necessary in moving this country forward. On behalf of myself, my family, and the City of Boston, our thoughts are with him and we hope people would respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time."

From Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi:
"I am deeply saddened by today's news and concerned for the Senator's well being and health and my thoughts and prayers are with the Senator, Vicki and the entire Kennedy family. Ted Kennedy has always been a fighter in Washington for our issues and our Commonwealth and he is my good friend and adviser. I know I speak for all my colleagues in the House when I say we are right behind Ted Kennedy in this fight and, like most other fights in his life, I'm certain he will come out victorious."

From Senate President Therese Murray:
"The Massachusetts Senate stands with Senator Kennedy during this difficult time in his life. He is still our senator, and any talk about a successor is insensitive, outrageous and wrong. Senator Kennedy is a living political legend who for so many years has been a relentless advocate for the Commonwealth and our nation. He has been a fighter his entire life, and he will face this unfortunate development with his usual grit and determination. Our heartfelt prayers and encouragement go out to Senator Kennedy and his family."

From Senator John Sununu (R-NH):
"I think everyone in the Senate has really been stunned by this news. We have great respect for Senator Kennedy's work ethic, and his high energy level on the job. It doesn't matter whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, everyone in the Senate is just hoping that Ted can beat this thing and get back to the Senate as soon as possible."