Edward “Ted” Kennedy, whose absence will be sorely felt in the Senate and by his family, has died at age 77. “We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family,” the family said in the statement. “He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it.” Bloomberg referred to the Senator as a “Democratic Icon;” The Boston Globe and Los Angeles Times invoked his familiar title as the “Liberal Lion of the Senate;” while The New York Times labeled him a “Senate Stalwart.” One of the most influential and longest-serving senators in U.S. history, the “consummate congressional dealmaker” lost his battle with brain cancer, which was diagnosed in May 2008, according to Reuters.
President Obama said in a statement that he and his wife Michelle were “heartbroken” to learn of Kennedy’s death. “I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I’ve profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom,” said Obama, who was elected last November and took office in January.
Kennedy’s death is expected to ignite a battle for his seat in the Senate. Prior to his passing, in a letter to state legislators, Kennedy asked that the governor be allowed to name an interim senator. He was adamant in his efforts in order to maintain critical Democratic votes on health-care legislation that is moving through Congress. Health-care reform has been a lifelong quest, reports Bloomberg. “It has a profound impact on Massachusetts politics and elected office,” said Fred Bayles, director of Boston University’s statehouse program. “Everything’s going to fall down because everyone will start moving around either jockeying for his seat or for the other positions that could open up.”
Kennedy’s pursuit of health-care reform was one of many battles the senator embarked upon. After a failed run for President in 1980, Kennedy soon ramped up his efforts on the Senate floor. Despite his reputation for left-wing “idelogical purity,” according to The Wall Street Journal, Kennedy was known for working closely with high-profile Republicans to push goals through. Kennedy’s efforts helped guide President Obama’s campaign for the presidency and also fueled Kennedy’s pursuit of health-care reform efforts. He spent his final months battling setbacks for health-care reform while fighting for his life. “He was the survivor,” said Norman J. Ornstein, a political scientist at the American Enterprise Institute. “He was not a shining star that burned brightly and faded away. He had a long, steady glow. When you survey the impact of the Kennedys on American life and politics and policy, he will end up by far being the most significant.”