Senator McCain made a campaign stop in East Fishkill with then-Rep. Sue Kelly some 18 years ago. Mid-Hudson
News Publisher Hank Gross interviewed him at town hall
MID-HUDSON – Senator John McCain (R, Arizona) died on Saturday at age 81 following a bout with brain cancer.
Area officials are mourning his passing and reflecting on his life.
Senator Charles Schumer (D, NY) said McCain’s “dedication to his country and the military were unsurpassed, and maybe most of all, he was a truth teller – never afraid to speak truth to power in an era where that has become all too rare. The Senate, the United States, and the world are lesser places without John McCain.” Schumer said he will introduce a resolution to rename the Russell Building in McCain’s honor. In 1972, it was named for former Senator Richard Russell, Jr.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D, NY17) said McCain “led with integrity and respect, always speaking out for what he believed in and striving to work with his colleagues in a bipartisan way.”
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D, NY18) said McCain will be remembered as “one of the most committed public servants in American history.” Maloney said McCain “personified all of the best characteristics of what it is to be an American and a good representative of the people. He was “a tough, thoughtful, principled patriot who spent his entire life serving others.”
Congressman John Faso (R, NY19) said McCain was “an American patriot, dedicated to our constitution and the ideals it represents.” Faso said “his courage as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton will be long remembered. America has lost a dedicated and loyal son.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo (D, NY) said McCain “gave his life in service to this nation, exemplifying all that we admire in a hero.” The governor said he was “a warrior and a statesman, in the old-fashioned sense.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer (D, Mount Vernon) said McCain’s “strength and courage has been an inspiration to our nation.” The county executive said, “Every journey ends, but not every journey is exceptional. His was an exceptional one.”
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said McCain “lived his life with bravery and integrity and certainly was a role model to me. He will always be remembered for his decorated career in the U.S. Navy and for being a true American patriot.”
Rockland County Executive Edwin Day said McCain “was a man without equal and his legacy will never be forgotten. His heroism, honesty, independence and integrity were the cornerstones on which he built his lifetime of service to our country. He was tireless in that service, fighting for our best interests even when it wasn’t popular because he knew what he was doing was right.”
