Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy Dies
Senator Loses Battle with Brain Tumor
The 77-year-old Democrat was the last of the four famous Kennedy sons and the leading Senate advocate for the liberal political agenda.
His Professional Career
Known as one of the last "pure liberals," his friendships crossed the aisle. Republican Orrin Hatch wrote a song for Kennedy and conservative columnist Cal Thomas said, "We don't agree on many issues, but I like him. He's very personable."
Among the many issues with which Kennedy and social conservatives clashed was abortion. The Senator was a long-term supporter of abortion and his campaign was endorsed by the solidly pro-abortion group, NARAL/Pro-Choice America.
NARAL consistently gave Kennedy high marks.
Although many tributes are pouring in to the Senator's office, some of Kennedy's more vocal opponents are relieved that he will no longer serve in the U. S. Senate.
NPR is reporting today that Kennedy's name will forever be attached to some controversial legislation. Kennedy worked with the Bush White House to get the controversial No Child Left Behind bill passed, as well as a loosening of immigration limits.
His Final Battle
The Massachusetts Democrat was diagnosed with brain cancer in May of 2008 after he collapsed of a seizure at his Cape Cod home. After the collapse from the seizure, Kennedy underwent a series of tests at Massachusetts General Hospital and had surgery to remove a good part of the tumor.
Kennedy's cancer was called a malignant glioma, a type of brain cancer found in about 9,000 people in the United States every year.
Kennedy was first elected to the Senate in 1962 while his brother John was in the White House. Kennedy's re-elections to the Senate made his the third longest serving senators in U. S. history.
Kennedy was one of the first senators to endorse Barack Obama for president and was an ardent supporter of the president's political agenda.
The Last Weeks
Most recently, President Barack Obama awarded Senator Kennedy the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award for an American citizen. The senator was one of 16 others who were awarded the decoration in this summer's ceremony.
The citation for the award said Senator Kennedy was one of the "great lawmakers and leaders of our time."
“He has worked tirelessly to ensure that every American has access to quality and affordable healthcare, and has succeeded in doing so for countless children, seniors, and Americans with disabilities,’’ the award statement also said.
A statement released by the family said, "We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever."
Fox News is reporting that Senator Kennedy will be buried this Saturday in Arlington National Cemetery next to his brothers John and Robert.
Senator Kennedy at a political rally.
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