"I think you can argue that I would not be sitting here as a
presidential candidate had it not been for some of the battles that Ted
Kennedy has fought. I stand on his shoulders."
"On numerous occasions, I have described Ted Kennedy as the last lion in the Senate...
because he remains the single most effective member... if you want
to get results."
"Senator Kennedy enjoys great respect and admiration on this side of the aisle. He is indeed one of the most important figures to ever serve in this body in our history."
-- Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), quoted by the New York Times.
"He is the only senator who could bring tears to my eyes when I was
presiding and he rose to speak on the floor of the Senate. There is
something in the tone of the voice and the undisguised passion."
-- Former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-NE), quoted by The Politico.
"I'm having a hard time remembering a day in my 34 years here that I felt this badly."