Kennedy Tribute Edition (August 2009)

Like most Major League pitchers, politicians often lose their fastball late in their career.

Members of Congress canceled plans and crossed oceans to make it to Sen. Edward Kennedy’s (D-Mass.) funeral.

Sen. Edward Kennedy was a political giant but to congressional staff say he was a man who never forgot the little guy.

With the passing of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), this nation lost a great patriot, a force for justice and equality and a passionate voice for a brighter future.

President John F. Kennedy was fond of quoting the biblical passage that tells us: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). When I think of that passage, I think of the life, career and accomplishments of his brother, my dear friend and colleague, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.).

I have a lot of acquaintances in Congress and many friends, but one who stood out above the rest and to whom I always felt close was Ted Kennedy. It was a privilege to know him as a friend, and it was an honor to work with one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable senators I ever met. His passing is truly a great loss for our country. I am hopeful, however, that in mourning his death, we will be inspired to continue to fight for the causes to which he dedicated himself so tirelessly and work together to pass the comprehensive healthcare reform that he called “the cause of my life.”

As a very junior senator from Idaho, I selected an office on the third floor of the Russell Building, which happened to be next door to Sen. Ted Kennedy’s office. The first day that we were allowed to officially occupy the space, in came Sen. Kennedy, walking through each of the offices and introducing himself to all of my staff and welcoming each of them to the Russell. Later that day, a beautiful bouquet of flowers showed up for my wife, Patricia, with a note saying, “Welcome to the neighborhood — Ted.” With that, Patricia and I began a wonderful and enduring relationship with Ted and Vicki Kennedy.

Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: “Woke up in Boston to news of Sen. Kennedy’s passing. My deepest condolences, on behalf of all of us in uniform, go out to his family.”

Sometimes the best friendships are made under unlikely circumstances. Such was the case with the Kennedys and the Reagans.