Members of Indiana’s delegation and other notable people have expressed their thoughts and prayers regarding the passing of Arizona Senator John McCain.
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly: “I deeply mourn the loss of my dear friend and mentor, John McCain, an American hero of the truest kind. His example will always inspire me. I will remember John as representing the very best of what makes America the greatest nation in the world. May God bless his family, friends, and our nation just as John blessed us with his life.”
U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski: “John McCain was an American hero and a patriot. He left an indelible mark on the country he loved with his unwavering dedication to the defense of freedom, the security of our nation, and the protection of our brave men and women in uniform. I am praying for his family as they, and all Americans, mourn his passing.”
U.S. Senator Todd Young: “John McCain was a patriot and hero who served our country in uniform and in the Senate with extraordinary courage, passion, sacrifice, and integrity. I join with his family, his friends, our colleagues in the Senate, and all Americans in mourning the passing of one of the finest leaders our nation has produced. We can honor his life and legacy by ensuring America continues to lead from a position of strength and principle – standing up for freedom, the oppressed, the dispossessed, and the rule of law.
Former President Barack Obama is paying tribute to McCain. Obama says despite their differences, they shared a “fidelity to something higher – the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched, and sacrificed.”
Obama says in a statement that the two political opponents “saw our political battles, even, as a privilege, something noble, an opportunity to serve as stewards of those high ideals at home, and to advance them around the world.”
Obama writes that they “saw this country as a place where anything is possible – and citizenship as our patriotic obligation to ensure it forever remains that way.”
Former President George W. Bush is calling McCain, his one-time political rival, a “man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order.”
Bush says in a statement that McCain was a “public servant in the finest traditions of our country” and is calling him a “friend whom I’ll deeply miss.”
Bush defeated McCain in a hard fought Republican presidential campaign in 2000 and later backed McCain’s unsuccessful campaign to succeed him eight years later.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has released a statement calling Sen. John McCain a “giant,” an “icon” and an “American hero.”
Ducey says McCain was an American who will never be forgotten, and he was proud to call him a fellow Arizonan. The Republican governor says McCain’s “spirit, service and fierce independence shaped the state with which he became synonymous.”
Ducey recalled that the senator always fought for what he thought was right, even when it wasn’t popular. He says McCain’s “dogged patriotism and passion for country” made him an inspiration.
The governor added that he hopes McCain’s legacy will continue to inspire Americans to build a future that would make him proud.
President Donald Trump is offering his “deepest sympathies and respect”.
The president’s statement comes after the two Republican leaders maintained a strained relationship since Trump suggested in 2015 the Vietnam veteran and prisoner of war was not a war hero.
Trump says on Twitter, “Our hearts and prayers are with you!”
Trump has frequently criticized McCain for voting against a 2017 plan in the Senate to replace the so-called Obamacare law.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
