Official reaction has begun to the news that Sen. Ted Kennedy is suffering from a cancerous brain tumor. For Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, of course, the diagnosis is a family matter. Their statement and others follow:
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: "Maria and I are thankful for everyone's thoughts and prayers today and over the past several days. While we are still learning the extent of Teddy's diagnosis and treatment options, what we do know is that Teddy is an incredibly courageous and tenacious man who will tackle this with the same determination with which he approaches everything in life. I encourage everyone to keep Teddy in their prayers, as we are continuing to do."
Sen. Dianne Feinstein: "My heart dropped when I heard the news about Senator Kennedy.
On behalf of all Californians, I send him and the entire Kennedy family my sincere wishes for a speedy recovery. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
There is reason for optimism. He has great physicians, a loving and beautiful wife in Vicki, and the indomitable Kennedy spirit.
I look forward to the day when Senator Kennedy is back on the Senate floor, giving one of his famous stem-winder speeches. I hope that day will be soon."
Sen. Art Torres (Ret.), Chairman of the California Democratic Party: "Today's news about my dear friend Ted Kennedy's diagnosis took the wind out of me, as I know it did for so many Americans. Since Saturday and as recently as this morning, I have been on the phone a number of times with the Senator's staff outside his hospital room, and I know that he is in good spirits, talking and joking.
Ted Kennedy was one of the first people to call me when I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006. He helped me seek the right advice about treatment and encouraged me to fight and win. He has been a source of inspiration and friendship for me for more than 28 years. I now pray for him as he did for me, and also for Ted's wife Vicki and his children, Ted Jr., Kara and Patrick.
I know that Ted's energy and resiliency will prevail. Ted is strong, vibrant, and I know he will recover and we will see him hard at work and back out on the campaign trail soon."
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