FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON -- Today, in reaction to the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), New DLC chairman Harold Ford, Jr. issued the following statement:

"We mourn the passing of Senator Kennedy. When the roll of history is called, Edward Kennedy will be acknowledged as a giant; the very best who ever served our nation in the Senate.

"His courage and idealism shaped the very best of our country for the last five decades. He asked us not to settle for 'what is' in our country, but rather work toward what 'can be.'

"From leading the way on civil rights to fighting for quality health care, education and a living wage that would sustain working families, Senator Kennedy left his mark on the progress of America. He was a seminal force in passing Family and Medical Leave, Title IX for women college athletes, the American Disabilities Act and a constitutional amendment to allow 18-year-olds to vote. As the savvy sailor that he was, he helped steer the ship of our nation to brighter and calmer seas.

"Let us give thanks to this great man."

The Democratic Leadership Council seeks to promote debate within the Democratic Party and the public at large about national and international policy and political issues. For additional information, web users may access the Democratic Leadership Council online at www.dlc.org, or contact the DLC's press office at (202) 546-0007.