June 13, 2008 Senators from New England, nation remember Russert Play video

(NECN/ABC) As word of the death of NBC's Tim Russert spread through Washington Friday, more reaction came from political figures who were regulars on "Meet the Press".

Senator Chuck Hagel commented to reporters immediately after hearing word of Russert's death. He called Russert "tough, smart and fair."

"I always admired his equilibrium," Hagel said. "He always knew instinctively what was important, and what to ask."

New England Senators reacted as well.

Massachusetts Sen. Kennedy: "Tim Russert was a gentleman and giant, not just in politics and journalism, but in life. And through that life, he gave us all a model worth emulating. With a reasoned voice, a sharp mind and a fair hand, Tim took the measure of every Washington official and all those that sought to be one. He was a great journalist and an even better friend. His passing is a tragic loss for us all, but especially for the family he loved so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim's wife Maureen and his son Luke."

Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe: "Tim will always be remembered for his rigorous preparation, unassailable objectivity, and irrepressible joy in covering politics. He was a consummate professional who changed the face of political journalism forever and his imprint will be felt for generations to come.

“He was a steady voice amid the ever-altering climate of American politics who possessed unrivaled dignity and conscience. Tim was a journalistic giant

of his generation who had an exuberant love of life, work, people and family – and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Maureen, his son, Luke, and the entire Russert family during this most difficult time.”

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry: "Today’s awful news about Tim Russert’s sudden passing is a swift kick for everyone who knew, respected, and loved Tim and had the honor of sharing his company. It's hard to describe the shock. Tim was the best political newsman of his generation, and he was a trailblazer in the unique way he brought his personal love of politics, honed by Moynihan and Cuomo, right into our living rooms every Sunday.

Tim was at once brilliant and insightful while always approachable, always accessible, and always your next door neighbor and your friend who was there to referee the debates of the big issues of our time. He relished that role and he excelled at it, as any one would who believed in the tenets of Jesuit education. He loved to hold the big guys accountable and in the original, intelligent, studied way he did it he emerged as the biggest guy of all.

It is impossible to overstate how much Tim was inseparable from American politics. When I decided to announce for President, the only place to do it was on ‘Meet the Press.’ It is impossible to imagine political life without him as our guide every Sunday. But it is even more difficult to find the words to express our sympathy for Maureen, Luke, his father Big Russ, and Tim's family at NBC. Tim, Maureen, and their family will remain in our thoughts and prayers a long, long time."

Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd: “This news has stunned and saddened our family. Tim Russert was a force in American politics, a force for integrity in our media, but above all, a friend. Since 1991, millions of Americans have looked to Tim on Sunday mornings for his keen insight into the political process. From his days in government to his remarkable tenure at NBC, Tim never lost his enthusiasm for vibrant and respectful political discourse – for the diversity of views and values in our society and the role of politics in our daily lives. Jackie and I send our deepest sympathies to Maureen, Luke, Big Russ, and the rest of the Russert family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them – Tim will be dearly missed.”