Vermont Business Magazine Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) on thedeath ofSenator John McCain (R-AZ): Marcelle and I are saddened by this loss, and we send our love and our respects to Cindy and their entire family.I think of the last time we met and said goodbye. We both were hopeful that it would not be the last time.
He loved his country, and we also both respected and were willing to defend the Senate’s special and independent role in American government.
In the Navy and in his public service, his goal was not to bide time, but to make a difference. I know that he felt, as I do, that the Senate can rise to the occasion in difficult moments to become the nation’s conscience. We must never allow an erosion of the Senate’s abilityto do that.
Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) issued the following statement:“ Senator John McCain defined public service, honor, and love of country. What an extraordinary career he had. What a loss his passing is for Arizona and America. Godspeed, Senator.You will be sorely missed.”