Reaction to death of former Sen. Edward W. Brooke
BOSTON (AP) - Comments on the life of former U.S. Sen. Edward W. Brooke of Massachusetts, who died Saturday at his home in Florida at the age of 95. Brooke, a liberal Republican, was the first black candidate in U.S. history to win popular election to the Senate. He served from 1967 to 1979.
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"Ed Brooke stood at the forefront of the battle for civil rights and economic fairness. During his time in elected office, he sought to build consensus and understanding across partisan lines, always working towards practical solutions to our nation's challenges."- President Barack Obama
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"This strong public servant with a deep voice and a big laugh defined the term gentleman, and he gave life to the words 'public servant.' Whether in the Army Infantry during World War II, where he was awarded the Bronze Star fighting fascism; or as state Attorney General, battling corruption; or, finally, as a United States Senator, helping to pass landmark civil rights legislation and pushing for affordable housing, Ed Brooke gave to his country every day of his life." - Secretary of State John Kerry, former Massachusetts U.S. senator.
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"Massachusetts has a history of sending giants to the United States Senate, great statesmen like Quincy Adams, Webster, Cabot Lodge, and Kennedy. We count Ed Brooke among them. He carried the added honor and burden of being 'the first' and did so with distinction and grace. I have lost a friend and mentor. America has lost a superb example of selfless service. Diane and I extend our deepest condolences to the Brooke family." - Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, the state's first black governor.
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"America mourns the loss of a trailblazer who will always be remembered as a model of courage and honesty in office: Senator Edward W. Brooke. I first observed Senator Brooke during his first term of office while serving as a Senate staffer; even from across the Senate chamber, you could sense that this was a Senator of historic importance. Indeed, he was. Senator Brooke's accomplishments remind us that anything is possible in our country. It's a proud legacy that paved the way for others. And it's a proud legacy that will live on into history. Elaine and I send our thoughts and condolences to the entire Brooke family." - Incoming U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
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"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Senator Edward W. Brooke as we lost a truly remarkable public servant. A war hero, a champion of equal rights for all, and an example that barriers can be broken, Senator Brooke accomplished more than most aspire to," Massachusetts Republican Gov.-elect Charlie Baker said. "Our party, commonwealth and nation are better for his service. My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of the Senator as we pause to remember an exceptional man." - Massachusetts Republican Gov.-elect Charlie Baker.
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"I was saddened to learn about the death of former U.S. Senator Edward Brooke. Paul and I always had great respect and admiration for him and for his work on behalf of the people of Massachusetts. His lifelong career in public service, in particular as the first African American elected to the Senate by popular vote, was as courageous as it was historic. He made significant contributions to the social landscape of this country; was a champion of education and affordable housing; and his efforts led to expanded economic opportunities for American families. My thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Brooke's family. He will be missed." - U.S. Rep. Nikki Tsongas, D-Mass., whose late husband Paul Tsongas defeated Brooke in the 1978 Senate race that ended Brooke's tenure in Congress.
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"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Senator Brooke. He was a true trailblazer, and those of us who followed cannot thank him enough. From his service to our nation beginning as a Captain during World War Two, Senator Brooke was a committed public servant. Our nation was truly blessed by his life and accomplishments, and his place in history will stand the test of time." - U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., the first black senator elected in South Carolina, and the state's first black candidate to win a statewide election since Reconstruction.
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"As we mourn the loss of Senator Edward W. Brooke, we reflect on his multitude of accomplishments and his extraordinary service to both our Commonwealth and our nation. Any one of his single accomplishments would be remarkable, and yet Senator Brooke could lay claim to so many milestones. A decorated war hero, this Massachusetts Republican was a highly respected legislator responsible for shaping our nation's laws and ensuring equal rights for all men and women. The Massachusetts Republican Party is proud to have had Senator Brooke as one of our party's leaders, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family." - MassGOP Chairman, Kirsten Hughes.
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"Whenever one of our constituents needed assistance, whether it was helping a veteran, a person on social security or a senior citizen, I called Senator Brooke's office. He personally would call us back and help our constituents. I'm not surprised that so many working class Democrats voted for him. He might have been a national celebrity, but for us he was a go through guy." - Ray Flynn, former Democratic legislator, Boston mayor and U.S. ambassador to the Vatican during the Clinton Administration.