PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island politicians are offering their thoughts on the death of Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain.
Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, who served with McCain on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that at a time when “divisiveness is too often deployed for short-term political gain, McCain valued patriotism over partisanship.”
Reed said McCain understood the importance of working together and called his devotion to duty and determination inspiring. Reed said McCain could be impatient but was always willing to reach out to friend or foe.
Fellow Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse offered his condolences to McCain’s family.
Democratic Rep. David Cicilline said McCain was willing to break with his own party including his vote last year that preserved former President Barack Obama’s 2010 health care law.
The 81-year-old McCain died Saturday.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.