Sad news...
KABC7 out of Los Angeles is reporting that Sen. Ted Kennedy has passed away at the age of 77. The Lion of the Senate, the last of the three Kennedy brothers and a champion of health care and many other great liberal causes passed away this evening of brain cancer.
There isn't much to report yet. Let's use this thread to remember Sen. Kennedy and all he has done in his life of public service.
Confirmation from ABC News is here.
Good article from WCVB Boston:
Kennedy, who waged a public fight against a malignant brain tumor in the last year of his life, was surrounded by family members who had come in recent days to say a last goodbye to him.
His death marks the end to a life where like the phoenix, Kennedy rose above earlier lapses in judgment that nearly eclipsed his potential.
Kennedy was first elected to the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts in 1962 and was re-elected for seven full terms.
He became the third-longest-serving senator of all time.
One year ago today Sen. Kennedy gave this speech on the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Denver (h/t to shayera):