I was saddened to wake up this morning to the news that Senator Ted Kennedy had passed away. Senator Kennedy, the fighting lion of the Senate, was a staunch and unwavering supporter of policies intended to improve the healthcare, education and civil rights of countless Americans. He authored and co-authored literally hundreds of bills throughout the course of his admirable lifetime in public service. I got to know Senator Kennedy in the 1970s when I worked on his re-election campaign and then again in 1980 when he ran for president. He had tremendous personal warmth which he displayed one-on-one and in front of large crowds. His work as an advocate for the most vulnerable populations will remain a legacy for years to come and we are all lucky to have had Senator Kennedy fight on our behalf for so many years. I know that this country is a better place in large part due to his efforts and I join the millions of mourners across the United States and around the world, as my thoughts prayers are with the Kennedy family today.