IN MEMORIAM: Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (1932-2009)

A much younger Edward M. Kennedy, far right, with brothers Jack and Bobby

In lieu of a Song of the Day for August 25th, I felt it more important to honor a fallen legend.

Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, or “Teddy” as he came to be affectionately known, was referred to as “the Lion of the Senate” and was one of only two men to stand for election nine times. Over his 47 years in Congress’ upper chamber, Kennedy produced an unparalleled amount of legislation and chaired numerous powerful committees. He ran for the presidency on multiple occasions, but never captured the White House like his elder brother, President John F. Kennedy.

From the time of his election to the Senate at age 30 in 1962, Kennedy grew in legislative prowess and obtained the esteem of both his colleagues and constituents. He provided a key endorsement for President Barack Obama’s White House bid in 2008 and campaigned for the young Illinois senator despite a brain cancer diagnosis. The iconic 77-year-old Democrat died Tuesday night at his home on Cape Cod. He will be sorely missed by his friends and admirers on both sides of the aisle.

Politico has a lovely profile of Sen. Kennedy’s life and legislative career. Read it here.