Ted Kennedy dead at 77

The Globe reports Kennedy died last night at his Hyannis home.

Georgy: I heaved a deep sigh:

... Yes, it was inevitable that Kennedy was near the end of his life; there is only so much modern medical science can do against a malignant brain tumor. What I didn’t expect, though, was the sense of loss I felt as I sat down and began to scan the headlines about his death, at the age of 77. ...

Live coverage from NECN:

President Obama: An important chapter in our history has come to an end:

Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.

Gov. Patrick: One of the Commonwealth's brightest lights went out last night.

Rob V: We may even feel his influence more strongly now that he's sailed away:

... Senator Kennedy was a flawed man who engenders strong emotions from both sides of the political spectrum, but he championed causes for people who weren't as fortunate as him ...

Jay Fitzgerald: There's a sense of completion to Ted Kennedy's life today:

... The youngest brother lived a long life, growing old and exploring stages of life that some of his siblings never saw. He found balance and happiness later in life. For that reason, there's a speck of joy within today's genuine sorrow.

Candelaria Silva: I never met Senator Kennedy but his work and influence were all around me as a resident of Massachusetts:

... A hymn I grew up with had these words: "May the work I've done, speak for me...when I stand before the throne I want to hear him say well-done. May the work I've done, speak for me." While a very human man with human short-comings, he nevertheless leaves a legacy of good work that will speak for him. ...

Ed Cafasso analyzes Kennedy as a communicator:

...Listen and stay connected. Kennedy was, and his office staff is, particularly adept at constituent service. They were accessible and pro-active. The Kennedy team understood the value of grassroots activation well before the phrase was coined, and was almost always willing to engage in a dialogue, whether you were the Queen of England or the guy who cleaned the bed pans at the community hospital. ...

Teddy Kokoros: Edward Kennedy throughout his life was there for the little guy in the senate and many times personally.

Mike Ball wonders how long the haters will restrain themselves:

... We know it will come from the many wingers. So, let's plan on dismissing those puerile attacks like so many flies at the picnic.

Instead, let's keep in the fore that Ted could have taken many easy ways out. He was born wealthy and connected. He could have gone corporate or foundation and cruised in comfort. Having been elected U.S. Senator, he might have been one of the many who ferried the bacon from D.C. to MA, earning adoration and re-election for cash.

This Ted though plugged away for the hard stuff, big ideas that his assassinated brothers sought and much more. He did the progressive thing, going for the underlying problems and long-term solutions. To his last day, he was focused and relentless on those goals.