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News Releases

Klobuchar Statement on the Death of Senator Robert Byrd

June 28, 2010

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar issued today the following statement on the passing of West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd at age 92:

“I was honored to serve in the Senate for the past four years with Senator Byrd.  As a brand new senator, I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of his legendary passion, his memorable speeches and yarns, and his love for the Senate and the rules of democracy.  He was not only a scholar of traditions, he started his own traditions -- from his tearful speeches in honor of Mother's Day to his annual commemoration of the first day of spring. 

The adopted son of a West Virginia coal miner, Senator Byrd went on to be the longest-serving member of Congress, and through it all, he never forgot whom he represented.  At his 90th birthday party, I remember Senator Kennedy telling a story about campaigning for his brother in West Virginia.  At one point, they had bus trouble, and Kennedy personally called the West Virginia highway patrol.  ‘We are stalled,’ he said, ‘on the Robert C. Byrd Highway here, ma'am, and we need some help.’ ‘The Robert C. Byrd Highway?’ she said, ‘Which one?’”

My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Byrd and his loving family.”

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