Iowans recall Kennedy's service, visits

Iowans who worked for and with Sen. Ted Kennedy, who died last night, are remembering the Democratic Party icon as a friend, colleague, role model and leader.

Among those who recalled Kennedy's life was former Sen. John Culver, who played football with Kennedy when they attended Harvard and served with him in Congress.

“Ted Kennedy was my friend for nearly 60 years,” said Culver, now a Washington, DC, attorney. “Ted's love of life was matched only by a dedication to public service.  His capacity for friendship and devotion to family were extraordinary.

Kennedy is remembered for his visits to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City during his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1980 as well as many visits for other candidates.

He also attended the October 1967 dedication of Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School. He said there was “nor more fitting tribute to President Kennedy” than a school bearing his name.

Culver, the father of Iowa Gov. Chet Culver, said the quality of Kennedy's public service “cannot be measured in years but in the many lasting contributions to a better life for people here and throughout the world.”

“He will be remembered and missed not only for his incomparable and historic public service but for countless acts of kindness and thoughtfulness to friends and strangers alike,” he said. “Those who knew him will always treasure memories of his laughter, humor and the joy of his company.”

Gov. Culver called Kennedy was “truly the lion and leader of the U.S. Senate, regardless of one's party affiliation.”

“His record of accomplishment is unmatched. Ted Kennedy was a kind and gentle public servant who cared passionately about people across the country and around the world, especially those without a voice,” Gov. Culver said. “He fought every day for 47 years in the Senate to improve lives and help people achieve their hopes and dreams.”

In Kennedy's, death, members of Congress have lost a friend and role model, according to Sen. Tom Harkin, who served on the Senate Health Committee chaired by Kennedy.

“In Ted, Americans had a staunch advocate for the rights worth protecting: ensuring a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, making sure that every kid has the education and opportunity they deserve and the cause of his life, access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans,” Harkin said. “I worked side-by-side with him to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act and will never forget his compassion for individuals with disabilities and the opportunity he gave me as a young senator to spearhead that legislation.

“As Congress continues its work on these and many other issues, we will remember Ted Kennedy every step of the way,” Harkin said. “The liberal lion no longer roams the halls of Congress, but his legacy remains.”

The Senate won't be the same without Kennedy, said Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican who differed with Kennedy on many issues, but worked with the Massachusetts liberal on other ledgislation.

“His presence was enormous.  He fought hard, debated intensely and worked tirelessly for what he thought was right," Grassley said. "Kennedy and I had a different point of view on most every issue, but he was an ally like few others when he was on your side.  Sen. Kennedy leaves a legacy as a public servant and policy maker.”

First District Rep. Bruce Braley, a Waterloo Democrat, mourned the loss of a great leader.

"Kennedy fought for what he believed in and cared deeply for our country," he said. "He never stopped fighting for working families and those less fortunate than himself.  Respected by leaders from both sides of the aisle and people from all walks of life, his tremendous legacy will live on in the Democratic Party and in the Senate.”