'The Greatest Senator of Our Time'

President Obama has weighed in on the death of Senator Ted Kennedy, pronouncing himself "heartbroken" over the loss of "the greatest senator of our time." Kennedy served in the Senate for 46 years, longer than all but two other senators, and challenged Jimmy Carter for president in 1980. Having died at 77, he is the only one of the four Kennedy brothers to have survived into old age. "An important chapter in our history has come to an end," Obama announced. Meanwhile, the Kennedy family said in a statement: "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. 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. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.”