Reaction to the death of former president George H.W. Bush

Reaction to the death of former President George H.W. Bush, the patriarch of one of the nation’s most prominent political families who summered in Kennebunkport, Maine, who died late Friday night at age 94 in Houston.

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“Know that President Bush’s life and legacy of public service will be an eternal source of hope and inspiration for the people of Maine and around the world. America has lost a true gentle-man,” Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage said in a statement.

“Maine and America grieve his loss but we are grateful for his contributions to our nation and for so wholly loving Maine and our people, just as Maine people so wholly loved him and his wife Barbara,” said Maine Democratic Attorney General and governor-elect Janet Mills in a statement.

“President Bush often called the family home at Walker’s Point his ’anchor to windward,’ a special place of unsurpassed natural beauty in a caring community. Through the years, it was been the place that gave him the strength to face the many challenges he took on in dedicated service to our country,” said Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in a statement.

“History will record how President Bush guided America through, and helped shape, numerous transformational events - from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the triumph of Operation Desert Storm,” said former Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and former Maine Governor John R. McKernan, Jr. in a former statement released by the Republicans.

They added: “Whenever people think about what it means to give back to one’s country and make contributions that will be remembered and appreciated for generations, they will recall the name of President George H.W. Bush. With his lifelong love for Maine, President Bush has left an indelible imprint on our state as an unwavering friend and source of tremendous pride.”

“Like so many Maine people, I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time with President Bush during some of his trips to Kennebunkport - and like all who have had that opportunity, I will forever cherish the time we were able to share,” stated Independent U.S. Sen. Angus King, of Maine.

“A decorated World War II hero, a family man, and a true statesman, President Bush’s legacy and patriotism will be remembered for generations of Americans and Mainers to come,” said Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, of Maine, in a statement.

“President Brush and his wife, Barbara, treasured their time in Maine and our state takes special pride in how much time they enjoyed here,” said Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree.

“President Bush was part of the Greatest Generation. His love of country, family, and his fellow citizens is evident from his 70 years of public service,” said Democratic U.S. Rep-elect Jared Golden.

“I have always considered President Bush a Mainer, and Maine’s president,” Maine GOP Chair Dr. Demi Kouzounas stated.

“Quick with advice and always caring, the 41st President of the United States was a statesman, a role model, and an American hero,” said New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, who directed flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days.

“An exemplary of the greatest generation, his dedication to family and country were unwavering and unmatched,” said U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat in New Hampshire, in a statement.

“His steady leadership at the close of the Cold War strengthened the United States and the world,” stated Democratic U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, of New Hampshire.

“Tom and I join a grieving nation in mourning the loss of a life well-lived, and take solace that he is once again with his beloved Barbara” stated Democratic U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, referring to her husband, Thomas.