Senator Edward Kennedy, 77, dies

[Oscar]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) ????????? U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, a major figure in the Democratic Party who took the helm of one of America's most fabled political families after two older brothers were assassinated, died late on Tuesday, CNN said. He was 77.

One of the most influential and longest-serving senators in U.S. history -- a liberal standard-bearer who was also known as a consummate congressional dealmaker -- Kennedy had been battling brain cancer, which was diagnosed in May 2008.

Known as "Teddy," he was the brother of President John Kennedy, assassinated in 1963, Senator Robert Kennedy, fatally shot while campaigning for the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination, and Joe Kennedy, a pilot killed in World War Two.

While expected, it is very sad. I and many others were hoping he'd get to see his life long goal of healthcare reform pass. While not realizing this in his lifetime, I certainly hope this means Congress will buckle down and get this done in his honor. He had many of his own bills pass during his time in the Senate that better the lives of everyone in America, but this was the most ambitious and perhaps the thing he wanted most for the US. He committed his life to public service and will be greatly missed, especially here in Massachusetts.

RIP Ted

I knew this would happen, a brain tumor is a terrible thing and if you have one thats bad enough, consider your life over.

I wonder if they'll bury him inside of 2 months?

[jayman]

put him in the car and push into river