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(CBS News) Friends, family and colleagues offered statements of remembrance for Sen. Edward "Ted" Kennedy, who hailed from one of America's most powerful political families, and served the state of Massachusetts for nearly 50 years.

President Barack Obama:

"For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

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.

"An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.

"And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad.

From the Kennedy Family:

"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. We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it's hard to imagine any of them without him."

Kennedy's affability and capability to span the partisan divide on
an array of legislative matters prompted an outpouring of condolences from those in the Republican Party:

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger:

"Teddy inspired our country through his dedication to health care reform, his commitment to social justice, and his devotion to a life of public service. I have personally benefited and grown from his experience and advice, and I know countless others have as well. Teddy taught us all that public service isn't a hobby or even an occupation, but a way of life and his legacy will live on."

Former President George H.W. Bush:

"While we didn't see eye-to-eye on many political issues through the years, I always respected his steadfast public service - so much so, in fact, that I invited him to my library in 2003 to receive the Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service. Ted Kennedy was a seminal figure in the United States Senate - a leader who answered the call to duty for some 47 years, and whose death closes a remarkable chapter in that body's history."

Former President Jimmy Carter:

"Sen. Kennedy was a passionate voice for the citizens of Massachusetts and an avering advocate for the millions of less fortunate in our country. The courage and dignity he exhibited in his fight with cancer was surpassed only by his lifelong commitment and service to his country."

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.:

"No words can ever do justice to this irrepressible, larger than life presence who was simply the best - the best Senator, the best advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague, and the best person to stand by your side in the toughest of times. He faced the last challenge of his life with the same grace, courage, and determination with which he fought for the causes and principles he held so dear. He taught us how to fight, how to laugh, how to treat each other, and how to turn idealism into action, and in these last fourteen months he taught us much more about how to live life, sailing into the wind one last time. For almost 25 years, I was privileged to serve as his colleague and share his friendship for which I will always be grateful."

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., Senate Majority Leader:

"It was the thrill of my lifetime to work with Ted Kennedy. He was a friend, the model of public service and an American icon. As we mourn his loss, we rededicate ourselves to the causes for which he so dutifully dedicated his life. Senator Kennedy's legacy stands with the greatest, the most devoted, the most patriotic men and women to ever serve in these halls .... The liberal lion's mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die."

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan:

"Given our political differences, people are sometimes surprised by how close Ronnie and I have been to the Kennedy family. In recent years, Ted and I found our common ground in stem cell research, and I considered him an ally and a dear friend. I will miss him."

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn.:

"I'm not sure America has ever had a greater senator, but I know for certain that no one has had a greater friend than I and so many others did in Ted Kennedy."

Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md.:

"Sen. Kennedy drew people to him because truly liked people and was genuinely erested in their lives. He brought out the best in those around him. He was the same good-hearted guy whether he was at a bowling alley or meeting with international leaders."

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah (reported by Reuters):

"Today America lost a great elder statesman, a committed public servant, and leader of the Senate. And today I lost a treasured friend. Ted Kennedy was an iconic, larger than life United States senator whose influence cannot be overstated. Many have come before, and many will come after, but Ted Kennedy's name will always be remembered as someone who lived and breathed the United States Senate and the work completed within its chamber."

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick:

"One of the Commonwealth's brightest lights went out last night. Ted Kennedy was a compassionate, effective, visionary statesman, family man and friend."

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney:

"In 1994, I joined the long list of those who ran against Ted and came up short. But he was the kind of man you could like even if he was your adversary."

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown:

"Edward Kennedy will be mourned, not just in America but on every continent."

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair:

"I saw his focus and determination first hand in Northern Ireland where his passionate commitment was matched with a practical understanding of what needed to be done to bring about peace and to sustain it.

"I was delighted he could join us in Belfast the day devolved government was restored.

"My thoughts and prayers today are with all his family and friends as they reflect on the loss of a great and good man."

Irish President Mary McAleese:

"His outstanding and remarkable personal contribution was made, despite the sacrifice and sorrow that was part of the overall contribution of the entire Kennedy family," she said.

Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen:

"America has lost a great and respected statesman and Ireland has lost a long-standing and true friend," Cowen said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

"Kennedy has been a friend for 30 years, a great American patriot, a great champion of a ter world, a great friend of Israel. He will be sorely missed."

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd:

Kennedy "made an extraordinary contribution to American politics, an extraordinary contribution to America's role in the world."

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano:

Kennedy "has left a deep mark and deserves the homage of all the free world."

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.:

"The best tribute we could pay him is a renewed vigor in the fight to see his dreams realized. The world is going to miss Ted Kennedy. I already do."

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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