Denver, Colorado – Pat Waak, Colorado Democratic Party Chair, today released the following statement on the news of the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy.
“Today I, with so many other Americans, mourn the passing of the Ted Kennedy, a great champion for each of us over decades of service in the U.S. Senate.
Senator Kennedy was passionate about making sure every person had a voice on issues related to civil rights, education, health care, and many other areas of our lives. He often was that voice for all of us. A man of privilege, he fought for the most basic of privilege for those who might not otherwise be blessed.
I sat on the front row of the Democratic National Convention a year ago and listened to him “pass the torch to a new generation.” He said “the dream is still alive.” It is now up to us to make that dream come true.
It would be the most fitting of tributes to Senator Kennedy for the U.S. Congress to now pass legislation for major healthcare reform. And for us, our tribute should be a renewed commitment to the kind of public service Senator Kennedy personified.”