U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, R-Mo., swiftly registered his sorrow today over the death of a longtime former colleague, former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska.
Stevens, 86, was among five who died in a plane crash Monday in his home state. Stevens lost a bid for re-election in 2008 following a corruption conviction, which was tossed out last year.
Said Bond: "Like all of Ted’s friends and family, Linda and I are shocked and saddened by this tragedy.
"Ted Stevens was truly a giant of the Senate and a dedicated champion for responsible resource management. Ted will be remembered for being a war hero, and also a hero to the people of Alaska he served for more than 40 years.
"Ted was a true mentor to me and a valued friend. Our families have long been best friends. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family. He will always be in our fondest memory."
This article originally appeared in the St. Louis Beacon.
