As
a Senator, he was known to champion progressive causes and bills and
was responsible for over 300 bills he wrote or co-wrote becoming law.
Kennedy was a staunch Democrat; however, garnered the respect of both
parties and was considered to be the best in the Senate at building
consensus. He was the youngest brother of President John F. Kennedy and
Robert F. Kennedy, both assassinated in the 1960's and he had been the
patriarch of the Kennedy family since the time of Robert's death in
March of 1968.

Kennedy was not without his personal faults,
having survived the incident at Chappaquiddick, a failed run for
President in 1980, divorce in the 1980's, the William Kennedy Smith
debacle and a string of public embarrassments in the late 1980's and
early 1990's. When he remarried in the early 1990's, he renewed his
commitment to the Senate and was seen to work harder than ever to
champion his party's ideals, most recently, the fight for universal
health care.

"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family
and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith,
optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever,' his
family said in a statement. "We thank everyone who gave him care and
support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so
many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness,
and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to
serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but
it's hard to imagine any of them without him.'