Columbus, OH-Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement in response to the passing of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy:

“I have known Senator Kennedy for many years, and I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing.  

 America has lost an extraordinary public servant who was the leading voice for the least fortunate.  A towering figure in the United State Senate and the American political imagination, his life exemplified the deepest commitment to a simple idea: service to others.  His advocacy for the poor and disenfranchised will survive long beyond his living years. 

It is difficult for many of us to imagine the U.S. Senate without Ted Kennedy. He spent five decades there, tirelessly striving for a more perfect union.  Now, he rests with his brothers in a more perfect place, and in our nation’s collective memory.

Frances and I extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Kennedy family and all those whose lives were bettered because of Sen. Ted Kennedy.”