Last night Senator Edward Kennedy passed away after a battle with brain cancer. He was 77 years old.

He was known as the “liberal lion of the Senate”

From the Kennedy Family:

“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever,” it said. “We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all.”

I am not a fan of the electoral political game in general or of most of the players in that game, however, Kennedy is being remembered as a progressive who pushed policy in the areas of health care and social justice (including immigration).