Local lawmakers remember Kennedy

Ted Kennedy was a true champion for those that needed it most, especially the working men and women throughout the nation. 

The Kennedys are, without a doubt, this country's greatest public servants; and Ted Kennedy served with great compassion and courage for fifty years.

His legacy will live on as we continue his lifelong goal of working to ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care.

I met a young, handsome Ted Kennedy in Los Angeles at the 1960 Democratic Convention.  I was a student at Smith College in Massachusetts in 1962 when he was elected to fill John Kennedy's Senate seat.  I doubt anyone saw his incredible talent then-surely I didn't. 

But then I was lucky enough to work in the Senate as counsel to California Senator John Tunney, and to learn from Ted Kennedy and his incredible staff during his extraordinary service on the Senate Judiciary Committee in the 1970s, where his leadership on civil rights and voting rights showed a Watergate-wounded country a way forward.  And over the years-especially after he married our Washington DC neighbor Vicki Reggie Raclan-we became friends.

For one who loves public policy, more good policy bears his stamp than any other Member of Congress.  His courage fighting a terminal illness this past year was an inspiration.  Our country needs to pause-as we surely did when his brothers died-and to contemplate that this Kennedy probably leaves the greatest legacy of them all.

L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa:

Ted Kennedy was more than a Senator, he was an American legend. Born into one of our country's most prominent families, Ted did not rest on his laurels, but instead forged his own political path.

As the 'liberal lion' of the Senate, he kept vigilant watch over the legislative body he so passionately served, as both a defender of social justice and a deal-maker who reached across the aisle to work with conservative colleagues.

He was the original change agent and we mourn his passing.

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Vicki, his children, grandchildren, and all his family during this difficult time.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger:

He was known to the world as the Lion of the Senate, a champion of social justice, and a political icon. Most importantly, he was the rock of our family: a loving husband, father, brother and uncle.

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.

Attorney General Jerry Brown:

All through the years, Ted Kennedy has been a voice for the voiceless, fighting injustice and championing compassion and equality. America has lost a wonderful human being.

Sen. Curren Price:

Senator Ted Kennedy was a champion for civil rights, justice, educational opportunity and the right of all Americans to have access to health care. The African American community has lost a dear friend. We mourn the passing of a staunch ally who was always steadfast in his support of the American principals of equality; fighting hard to preserve these principals during his nearly 50-years of public service. Senator Ted Kennedy will be missed by all of us who have long valued his service and dedication to our nation.

Sen. Jenny Oropeza:

Our nation has lost a great leader. His tireless efforts on behalf of the poor, the disadvantaged, and immigrants have changed the lives of millions and made the American promise of a better life a reality for so many. His work has strengthened our nation and ensured its continued role as a beacon of hope for the world.

The public service of the Kennedy family sparked my imagination for what's possible to achieve for others and the nation and pointed the way to serve my community and our state. When I was discouraged about how slow the progress has been on issues I have fought for, such as health care, the environment, education and immigration, I could look to Senator Kennedy and be inspired by how he never gave up.

While the loss of Sen. Kennedy is a tragic loss to all of us, his life stands as an inspiration that should encourage everyone who cares about those less fortunate to redouble our efforts. To do less would dishonor the words Ted Kennedy spoke when he addressed the Democratic Convention in 1980 as he acknowledged that it would not be he who would lead the Democrats to victory in the 1980 to fight for our ideals. His memorable words, 'For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die' meant it was up to others to carry the torch. Let us pray without out him to lead us, we are up to the task.

Sen. Rod Wright:

Because of his work in health care, education, civil rights and so many other areas, of all of the Kennedy brothers, Senator Edward Kennedy's legislative legacy proved to be the most enduring.