Members of Indiana’s delegation and other notable people have expressed their thoughts and prayers regarding the passing of Arizona Senator John McCain:
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly: “I deeply mourn the loss of my dear friend and mentor, John McCain, an American hero of the truest kind. His example will always inspire me. I will remember John as representing the very best of what makes America the greatest nation in the world. May God bless his family, friends, and our nation just as John blessed us with his life.”
U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski: “John McCain was an American hero and a patriot. He left an indelible mark on the country he loved with his unwavering dedication to the defense of freedom, the security of our nation, and the protection of our brave men and women in uniform. I am praying for his family as they, and all Americans, mourn his passing.”
U.S. Senator Todd Young: “John McCain was a patriot and hero who served our country in uniform and in the Senate with extraordinary courage, passion, sacrifice, and integrity. I join with his family, his friends, our colleagues in the Senate, and all Americans in mourning the passing of one of the finest leaders our nation has produced. We can honor his life and legacy by ensuring America continues to lead from a position of strength and principle – standing up for freedom, the oppressed, the dispossessed, and the rule of law.
Michigan Congressman Fred Upton: “John McCain was an American hero, a statesman, and – above all else – a personal friend. We traveled the country back and forth, and again in 2008. His boundless energy still exposed his torturous, haunting past but his ability to forgive even his captors showed his resilient faith and strength. He was a bipartisan legislative leader that never stopped to smell the roses as there was always a new legislative challenge to tackle next. Campaign finance, our veterans and servicemen and women, health research, and 21st Century Cures were just some of the issues in his wheelhouse. He worked and played hard all his days and I felt privileged to share some of those times. He left no regrets other than the knowledge his absence would require those that admired him to step up and carry on. He served his country in so many ways and inspired folks in every walk of life. His dignity, integrity, and sense of duty is what all public servants should seek to emulate. Amey and I are sending our prayers to the entire McCain family.”
The entire McCain family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from around the world. Thank you.
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 25, 2018
Across the political spectrum, Senator John McCain will be remembered as one of the most remarkable and courageous people ever to serve our Navy—and our country.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 26, 2018
Karen and I send our deepest condolences to Cindy and the entire McCain family on the passing of Senator John McCain. We honor his lifetime of service to this nation in our military and in public life. His family and friends will be in our prayers. God bless John McCain.
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) August 26, 2018
John McCain was my friend. I will remember the good times. My family and I send prayers for Cindy and the McCain family.
– Sarah Palin and family pic.twitter.com/KRvcIQ99cA— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) August 26, 2018
Former President Barack Obama is paying tribute to McCain. Obama says despite their differences, they shared a “fidelity to something higher – the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched, and sacrificed.”
Obama says in a statement that the two political opponents “saw our political battles, even, as a privilege, something noble, an opportunity to serve as stewards of those high ideals at home, and to advance them around the world.”
Obama writes that they “saw this country as a place where anything is possible – and citizenship as our patriotic obligation to ensure it forever remains that way.”
Former President George W. Bush is calling McCain, his one-time political rival, a “man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order.”
Bush says in a statement that McCain was a “public servant in the finest traditions of our country” and is calling him a “friend whom I’ll deeply miss.”
Bush defeated McCain in a hard fought Republican presidential campaign in 2000 and later backed McCain’s unsuccessful campaign to succeed him eight years later.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has released a statement calling Sen. John McCain a “giant,” an “icon” and an “American hero.”
Ducey says McCain was an American who will never be forgotten, and he was proud to call him a fellow Arizonan. The Republican governor says McCain’s “spirit, service and fierce independence shaped the state with which he became synonymous.”
Ducey recalled that the senator always fought for what he thought was right, even when it wasn’t popular. He says McCain’s “dogged patriotism and passion for country” made him an inspiration.
The governor added that he hopes McCain’s legacy will continue to inspire Americans to build a future that would make him proud.
President Donald Trump is offering his “deepest sympathies and respect”.
The president’s statement comes after the two Republican leaders maintained a strained relationship since Trump suggested in 2015 the Vietnam veteran and prisoner of war was not a war hero.
Trump says on Twitter, “Our hearts and prayers are with you!”
Trump has frequently criticized McCain for voting against a 2017 plan in the Senate to replace the so-called Obamacare law.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
