Governor, Shriver Mourn “Uncle Teddy”

He was the "rock of our family," Schwarzenegger says

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he and wife Maria Shriver are "immensely saddended" by the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy, Shriver's uncle.

Schwarzenegger came to politics after careers as a bodybuilder and actor and credited Kennedy with helping him in his current role. The governor issued the following statement Tuesday night:

He was known to the world as the Lion of the Senate, a champion of social justice, and a political icon. Most importantly, he was the rock of our family: a loving husband, father, brother and uncle. He was a man of great faith and character. Teddy inspired our country through his dedication to health care reform, his commitment to social justice, and his devotion to a life of public service. I have personally benefited and grown from his experience and advice, and I know countless others have as well. Teddy taught us all that public service isn't a hobby or even an occupation, but a way of life and his legacy will live on.

Kennedy's death came just two weeks after that of Shriver's mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, one of the senator's siblings.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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