Arizona

‘Great American Hero': New England Lawmakers React to Sen. John McCain's Death

John McCain, Arizona's longtime senator, died at the age of 81 on Saturday

What to Know

  • Arizona's U.S. Sen. John McCain died Saturday. He was 81.
  • The longtime statesman was also a Vietnam POW survivor and won the 2008 Republican presidential nomination.
  • McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer in July 2017.

New England lawmakers are reacting to the passing of U.S. Sen. John McCain, who died Saturday surrounded by family. He was 81.

McCain, who was also a Vietnam POW survivor, was diagnosed with brain cancer in July 2017. He announced on Friday he was ending medical treatment.

The longtime Arizona senator was known for his maverick-style in Congress, which at times resulted in him dissenting with his fellow Republicans.

MASSACHUSETTS

In a series of tweets, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren expressed her grief over McCain's death, saying he was "fiercely devoted to his family, his constituents, and his country."

"Democrat or Republican, foreign leader or President of the U.S., John McCain would go toe to toe with anyone to fight for what he thought was right," she continued.

"Courage flowed through John McCain's veins," U.S. Sen. Ed Markey said. "It was his lifeblood and our nation was the beneficiary of his strength. A soldier's courage during war, a legislator's courage to cross the aisle, a husband and father's courage to the last. Godspeed to our once and always Maverick."

With McCain's passing, America has lost "one of the best" political heroes, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton said in a statement.

"Senator McCain was a tireless champion of American values, a fierce supporter of veterans, and a leader both at home and abroad," he continued. "America would be better off if we had more John McCains in the United States Congress, but there will never be another John McCain."

"John McCain's story is America's story," U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy said on social media. "He served our nation with courage, compassion and civility. He will be missed dearly and our thoughts are with the entire McCain family."

McCain "was a true patriot," U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark said in a tweet, adding, "Our government was strengthened by his honesty and integrity."

The Arizona senator's "enduring legacy will be one rooted in service, courage and decency," U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano said in a statement.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said she was "heartbroken" at the news of McCain's death, and said that he will remain a beloved figure in the state, which voted for him in the 2008 Republican presidential primary.

"Today, our country lost a great American hero," she said in a series of tweets. "John faced his battle with cancer the same way he faced all challenges in his life -- with profound strength and determination."

"From his service in the Navy to his years in Congress, John always fought for our country with honor and distinction," U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan said in a statement.

Gov. Chris Sununu called McCain an "honorary Granite Stater" in a statement on social media.

"He barnstormed our state twice & captivated the hearts of many. Compassionate, yet strong as granite, his selfless sense of service represented the very best of our country," he said.

MAINE

U.S. Sen. Angus King wrote on Twitter, "John McCain was a sailor, a Senator, and a great public servant. He was a leader in every sense of the word, the very definition of a patriot, and absolutely embodied love of country."

King went on to add, "He was irrepressible, acerbic, courageous and, often, he was a force of nature. John McCain was an American hero, and he was my mentor and friend who I will miss dearly."

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins expressed her condolences after the news of his passing broke.

"John McCain was a great American, a terrific Senator, and a wonderful friend and mentor who taught me so much," she said on Twitter. "May God be with this hero who has earned his rest."

McCain "fought for our Nation, on the battlefield and in Congress, and America will forever be grateful for his courage and sacrifice," U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin wrote on Twitter.

VERMONT

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy recalled the last time he saw McCain and said goodbye, and that they had both hoped it would not be the last time.

"He loved his country, and we both respected and were willing to defend the Senate's special and independent role in American government," Leahy said. "In the Navy and in his public service, his goal was not to bide time, but to make a difference."

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders also expressed his condolences to the McCain family.

"John McCain was an American hero, a man of decency and honor and a friend of mine," he said on social media. "He will be missed not just in the U.S. Senate but by all Americans who respect integrity and independence."

CONNECTICUT

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal tweeted, "John McCain was the epitome of grit & grace, & his selfless service will continue to inspire this nation to choose courage over cowardice, & country over party."

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy said he counted himself as "lucky" to have called the Arizona statesman a friend, a colleague and mentor, adding that McCain was a "masterclass in life, leadership and patriotism."

RHODE ISLAND

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse wrote, "With love and respect, I mark the passing of a great man, and I will miss him dearly."

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said on social media that the country "lost one of the most courageous men & ardent patriots in American history."

Editor's note: More statements will be added as they are released.

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