Politicians laud Sen. Kennedy

CHILMARK, Mass. - President Barack Obama marked Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's death Wednesday by declaring his fellow Democrat "one of the single most effective senators" in U.S. history, praise that was hardly a shock to the partisan senses.

But Obama's predecessor, former President George W. Bush, also offered plaudits for Kennedy, leading a group of Republicans who exhibited bipartisan affection for a political figure loved by Democrats, reviled by some in the GOP, but missed by nearly all who knew and worked with him.

Bush was typical, noting that he and the 77-year-old Kennedy worked together on immigration, mental illness and public education issues, including joining forces on the "No Child Left Behind."

"In a life filled with trials," Bush said, "Ted Kennedy never gave in to self-pity or despair."

Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose wife, Maria Shriver, was Kennedy's niece, came to politics after careers as a bodybuilder and actor. He credited Kennedy with helping him as governor of California.

"Teddy taught us all that public service isn't a hobby or even an occupation, but a way of life, and his legacy will live on," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

Kennedy's death came just two weeks after that of Shriver's mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, one of the senator's siblings.

Vice President Joe Biden fought tears as he spoke about his friend and colleague of many decades in the Senate.

"I truly, truly am distressed by his passing," Biden said. "Teddy spent a lifetime working for a fair and more just America. For 36 years, I had the privilege of going to work every day and sitting next to him and being witness to history. ... He restored my sense of idealism."

The Senate's top Democrat, Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, promised that Congress, while mourning Kennedy's loss, would renew the push for the cause of Kennedy's life - health care reform.

"Ted Kennedy's dream was the one for which the founding fathers fought and for which his brothers sought to realize," Reid said in a statement. "The liberal lion's mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die."

Kennedy's junior colleague from Massachusetts, Sen. John Kerry, lauded him for his fight against cancer.

"No words can ever do justice to this irrepressible, larger-than-life presence who was simply the best - the best senator, the best advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague and the best person to stand by your side in the toughest of times," Kerry said.