What others are saying about Henry Hyde

President George Bush:

"This fine man believed in the power of freedom, and he was a tireless champion of the weak and forgotten."

Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, a Plano Republican:

"No one believed more passionately or argued more vigorously on the House floor than Henry, and no one was better at it."

Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations:

"Every American owes Chairman Hyde a debt of gratitude for his service."

Jim Ryan, former Republican Illinois attorney general:

"There are a lot of politicians. Henry Hyde was a statesman."

Former Illinois Senate President James "Pate" Philip, a Wood Dale Republican:

"He had a very, very strong belief in the rule of law. If there were any questions about the Constitution or the statute, everyone would ask Henry.

U.S. Rep. Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., a Chicago Democrat:

"Henry Hyde had always been considerate to me, generous with his time and extremely helpful to me as a legislator. Not long after I was sworn in as a new member, he acted as a mentor and we became close friends despite our political and ideological differences."

Congressman Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican:

"America has lost a great leader. His legacy and service will not be forgotten."

Illinois state Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican:

"Henry Hyde was a giant of a man in all respects -- a fabulous gentleman and someone even political opponents held in high esteem."

Former Congressman Harris Fawell, a Naperville Republican

"We had our difference politically speaking, but he was always a gentleman and a gifted orator. It was always a challenge when you tried to debate with him. He had a knack for coming up with the right word, and he was a very enchanting guy who will be missed in politics. He was one of those people who got along with most everybody regardless of political views."

Congressman Don Manzullo, a Republican from Egan:

"When Henry Hyde spoke on the House floor, both sides stopped and listened. He was the last of the great orators in Congress."

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns:

"While he may be viewed as divisive by some, most will remember his passion and service for the United States."

Congressman Peter Roskam, a Republican from Wheaton and Hyde's successor:

"He treated people who disagreed with him as opponents but not as enemies."

Former U.S. Rep. Phil Crane, a Wauconda Republican:

"It is a sad, sad moment. He was brilliant and principled -- one of the greatest members of the House of Representatives."

Illinois state Sen. Dan Cronin, an Elmhurst Republican:

"Henry Hyde was a true legend."

Robert Schillerstrom, DuPage County Board Chairman:

"Throughout his tenure in Washington, Henry never stopped caring about DuPage County and the people who make our county great -- he always remembered where he came from."

Lee Daniels, former Illinois Republican leader and Elmhurst Republican:

"He always had a joke to tell. "

Bensenville Village President John Geils:

"Congressman Hyde provided unwavering support of the village's efforts to resist the O'Hare expansion. His efforts will be greatly missed."

Congresswoman Judy Biggert, a Hinsdale Republican:

"He was so entertaining and always had the joke of the day."

Andy McKenna, Illinois Republican Party chairman:

"Henry practiced the politics of substance, the politics of people."

Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Chicago Democrat:

"Henry Hyde was a man of deep conviction, and an eloquent spokesman for the causes he believed in."