Danville officials react to Kennedy’s death

Comment: Keep the Kennedy's in your prayers!

By Catherine Amos
Published: August 27, 2009

Revered by die-hard liberals and spurned by staunch conservatives, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was a polarizing force in United States politics — with nearly everyone recognizing his passion.

Known as the liberal lion of the Senate, Kennedy died early Wednesday morning after battling a brain tumor. He was 77, and the last surviving son of the Kennedy family — once the America’s political dy-nasty.

In the Dan River Region, local political leaders from both sides of the aisle weighed in on Kennedy’s influence and what will likely be his legacy of working toward health care reform.

Sheila Baynes, chairwoman of the Danville Democratic Committee, had the chance to meet Kennedy, albeit briefly, at a political function years ago in northern Virginia. She, along with many other local Democrats, support his fight for health care reform.

“I’m very saddened,” Baynes said. “He’s been a longtime supporter of the people … He’s done so much. Right now he had a passion for health care and trying to get that (legislation) through. I hope that that will be met. I’m sorry he’s not around to see what happens one way or another.”

Nick Fowler, chairman of the Danville Republican Committee, acknowledged Kennedy’s accomplishments. And although Fowler agreed that the country may need to reform health care policies, he does not support the public option.

“Anytime you lose a leader it’s just a sad time for everybody,” Fowler said. “(Kennedy) was very suc-cessful with what he did. We (Republicans) didn’t always agree with his policies, but we respected him.”

Statewide politicians issued statements throughout the day Wednesday, some mourning the loss and others extending condolences to the remaining members of the Kennedy family. Sen. Mark Warner commented on Twitter on Wednesday morning, calling Kennedy an “inspiration for all of us in the Senate.”

Gubernatorial candidates Bob McDonnell and Creigh Deeds both issued statements as well. McDonnell said he respected Kennedy for his “passion and commitment” to public service, despite dis-agreeing with the longtime senator on many issues. Deeds lauded Kennedy’s “legacy of working in a bipartisan manner to get things done … espe-cially in areas of health care and public education.”

In Pittsylvania County, party leaders echoed the sen-timents of others.

“Although I didn’t agree with many of Sen. Kennedy’s policies,” said Ronnie Mayhew, chairman of the county’s Republican Party, “I do greatly respect his over five decades of public service to the citizens of Massachusetts and the United States.”

Robert Neals, chairman of the county’s Democratic Party, said he hoped that when the health care reform bill is passed, it will be named after Kennedy.

“We have certainly lost a great statesman,” Neals said, “one who fought for the equal rights of everyone in this country.”

Former Danville mayor Seward Anderson, a democrat running for delegate of the 14th District, recognized Kennedy’s extensive political career and contributions.

“Sen. Kennedy gave 42 years of his life in service to his nation,” Anderson said in a statement. “Virginians throughout our commonwealth have always honored service to their country; I join them in honoring the life and service of Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.”

Delegate Danny Marshall, R-14th District, could not be reached for comment

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