Senator Ted Kennedy has died aged 77, losing his battle with brain cancer.The senator had served in the US senate for almost 47 years and won his 8th term in 2006. He became the Democratic senator for Massachusetts in 1946, replacing his brother, John Kennedy, when he resigned to become president.
In 2006, Teddy, as he was affectionatley known, was named by Time magazine as one of America's ten best Senators, as he had "amassed a titanic record of legislation affecting the lives of virtually every man, woman and child in the country".
Across his near half century in the senate, Ted Kennedy pushed reform in education and healthcare becoming a champion for the working class. He was known for forging cross party alliances, helping George W. Bush with education reforms and working with Senator John McCain on immigration legislation.
Despite this he was well-known as a liberal member of the Democratic party and heavily criticised the Bush administration on Iraq and the abuse of prisoners. He was also involved in the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, after earlier calling for British troops to leave the country.
Kennedy ran against incumbent president Jimmy Carter for the democratic nomination in the 1980 presidential race. However, the death of a young women in his car after he crashed into waters on Chappaquiddick Island, Massachusetts, halted his chances.
President Obama, who Kennedy had declared his support for during the 2008 presidential race, said he was "heartbroken" by the Senator's death. He said the death "An important chapter in our history has come to an end," and "Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States senator of our time."
Harry Reid, Senate majority leader said "The liberal lion's mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die".
British Prime Minister said "Even facing illness and death, he never stopped fighting for the causes which were his life's work. I am proud to have counted him as a friend." He added that Senator Kennedy's passing would be "mourned not just in America but in every continent".
A Kennedy family statement said "We've lost the irreplaceable centre of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever."
Ted Kennedy was the only surviving brother of the Kennedy family, being the only one to live past middle age. His eldest brother Joseph died during a plane crash in WWII and his other brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated in 1963 and 1968.
Senator Kennedy remained a member of the Senate until his death and recently suggested a change in the law to allow a quick succession when his seat became vacant. It is thought he worried that a lengthy election would hamper President Obama's healthcare reform by denying a crucial vote.
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