Prominent Iowa Democrats are formally expressing their sympathies to the Kennedy family on the death of Senator Edward Kennedy.
Former U.S. Congressman and U.S. Senator John Culver — father of Governor Chet Culver — met Ted Kennedy in 1950, when the two were college freshman at Harvard and the two maintained a friendship over the next six decades. In a written statement, former Senator Culver said Ted Kennedy’s "love of life was matched only by a dedication to public service." The elder Culver also saluted Kennedy’s "capacity for friendship and devotion to family" and said "those who knew him will always treasure memories of his laughter, humor and the joy of his company."
Governor Chet Culver saluted Kennedy’s "unwavering faith" and his "wonderful sense of humor."
Senator Tom Harkin called Ted Kennedy a friend and "a role model" and Harkin said it was time to pass legislation "to provide robust, quality health insurance coverage for all Americans" in Kennedy’s honor.