Flags are flying at half-staff in New York and Connecticut to honor Senator John McCain, who died Saturday at the age of 81.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said McCain was a warrior and a statesman in the old fashioned sense. He said McCain gave his life in service to this nation, exemplifying all that we admire in a hero.
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy also called McCain a war hero who on his return home continued to live his life as humble and unassuming as even the most modest among us.
Senator Richard Blumenthal called McCain the epitome of grit and grace, whose selfless service will continue to inspire this nation. He said he was honored to have traveled and worked with McCain as a member of the Armed Services Committee.
Fellow Democratic Senator Chris Murphy praised McCain’s "life, leadership and patriotism" and said America was lucky to have him as an inspiration.
Former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who was one of McCain’s closest friends in the Senate, said the death of McCain means America has lost one of its greatest patriots and public servants in its history.
In a statement, Lieberman said he has lost a dear friend but that he was lucky to have known and worked with McCain and is comforted now by great memories of their times together.
Lieberman had been the Democratic Party vice presidential nominee in 2000. In 2008, he crossed party lines to endorse his Republican friend McCain for president.
At the time there had been speculation that McCain had considered asking Lieberman to be his running mate before he chose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.
Flags will remain at half-staff in Connecticut until sunset on the day of his funeral (as yet unannounced.
