Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

SANTA FE – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today issued the following statement following the death of his friend and colleague, Senator Edward M. Kennedy:

"Ted Kennedy was a good friend, a superb human being, and a colleague who will be greatly missed by those who served with him in the Senate.  As a legislator he played a role in every significant piece of social legislation that came before the Congress during his remarkable career.  His extraordinary list of accomplishments were not just a function of his passion and ideals, but also his pragmatism and ability to reach across party lines to get done what was needed for the good of the country.  His leadership will be particularly missed in the Senate at this critical time for health care reform.  The American people have lost a great champion, but his legacy will endure."