Boston Area News

BOSTON (WBZ) ― Reaction to news of Sen. Ted Kennedy's brain tumor poured in from politicians around the region and across the nation.


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


"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."
-Sen. John Kerry (D-MA)


"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."
-Boston Mayor Tom Menino


"Ted Kennedy is the greatest Senator in American history and a tireless fighter for Americas 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."
- Rep. Edward Markey (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."
-Rep. Barney Frank (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."
-Rep. Mike Capuano (D-MA)


"My wife, Ellen's, and my thoughts and prayers are with Ted, Vicki and their family. He is receiving the best care in one of the best hospitals in the country and I am confident his tenacious spirit will produce a full recovery.

"Ted has been a dear friend, a trusted colleague and a personal mentor for two decades. Growing up in Massachusetts, Ted served as an inspiration for me and, if it were not for the example of public service set by him and his brothers, I never would have sought elective office.

"No one has been a greater champion for higher education than Ted Kennedy. Just last week, he called to let me know he was helping to get additional funding for UMass Lowell's nanotechnology program.

"I look forward to his finishing this fight for himself and returning to fighting for the people of Massachusetts – as he has done more effectively than anyone else for the past four decades."
 -Marty Meehan, Former Mass. Congressman, UMass Lowell Chancellor


"The Senate is a family. We are all concerned about the health of Senator Kennedy. He is a friend, the model of public service and an American icon. And anyone who knows Ted Kennedy also knows that he is a fighter. He has a work ethic like no other and has risen to every challenge he's faced – and we are confident he will rise to this one as well.

"It's no surprise to me that when I talked with his wife today, she told me he is in good spirits and full of energy. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Senate family are with Ted and the Kennedy family. We are not sure when he will return to the Senate, but we all look forward to his recovery. Millions of Americans have benefited from the work of Ted Kennedy, and I know he's not done yet."
-Sen. Harry Reid, Majority Leader


"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."
-Sen. Hillary Clinton, (D) Presidential Candidate


"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."
-Sen. Barack Obama, (D) Presidential Candidate 


"Senator Kennedy is a true American hero and a leader in the Democratic Party, having spent a lifetime standing up for the values of fairness, justice and equality. On behalf of the Democratic Party, we extend our prayers and well wishes to Senator Kennedy, his wife Vicky, and the entire Kennedy family."
- Howard Dean, Democratic National Committee Chairman


"My friend Senator Ted Kennedy is a lionhearted champion for our nation's schoolchildren. His decades of public service have inspired generations of Americans, including me. And his strong, outspoken leadership has helped to improve the quality of life for all of us.

"I join people across our country and around the world in sending my prayers to the Senator, his wife Vicki, and their entire family during this difficult time. I am glad to hear that Senator Kennedy is in good spirits, and I know he will respond to this challenge with his characteristic toughness and determination."
-U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings


"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."
-Sen. John Sununu (R-NH)


"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."
-Mass. Rep. Sal DiMasi, Mass. Speaker of the House

"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."
State Sen. Therese Murray, Mass. Senate President


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