‘A trailblazer.’ Reaction to US Sen. Birch Bayh’s death

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Reaction to the death of former U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh, who died Thursday at age 91:

“Birch Bayh was a trailblazer who dedicated himself to improving the lives of all Hoosiers. His remarkable legislative and personal legacy transformed the country and will live on for years to come.” - Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb.

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“Birch Bayh is a modern-day founding father. He used his tenure in the Senate to push for substantive and substantial change, including two constitutional amendments and the passage of Title IX.” - U.S. Sen. Todd Young.

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“The only person since the Founding Fathers to draft more than one amendment to the Constitution, Senator Bayh devoted his life to championing the rights of all Americans - especially women, people of color, young people, and others whom history had too long pushed to the margins.” - Bayh family statement.

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“Senator Birch Bayh served the people of Indiana with distinction through his lifetime of service in the Armed Forces, the General Assembly, and the U.S. Senate. Karen and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to Evan, Susan, and the entire Bayh family as they mourn the passing of this good man and great Hoosier Statesman.” - Vice President Mike Pence.

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“Sen. Bayh understood that we cannot be a completely free country if some citizens are not given the same rights as others. By playing a vital role in crafting and passing the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act, he showed the country that Indiana can lead the way in making sure all people are guaranteed equality under the law.” - Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane of Anderson.

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“Birch Bayh was a tireless advocate for equality with the rare ability to transcend the prejudices of the moment and see beyond seemingly intractable divisions. He embodied what it means to be a Hoosier: kindness, compassion, common sense, and integrity. We, as a state and as a nation, are forever shaped by his leadership and tenacity.” - Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.

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“Birch Bayh was a true statesman who dedicated his life to public service. Generations of Hoosiers have felt the impact of his bold leadership, and he has left an incredible legacy for our state and nation.” - U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski.

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“As Indiana’s U.S. Senator, Birch Bayh served not only our state, but our entire country. His bold and thoughtful leadership has been felt across generations of young people who have been impacted by his championing of Title IX, voting rights and equal rights - work that remains significant and relevant today in our nation’s ongoing social justice dialogue.” - Former Indiana First Lady Judy O’Bannon Willsey.

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“At a time when our nation needed strong leaders to help advance progressive ideals, Birch Bayh rose to the challenge, proving himself a fearless champion of those values. His tireless work on behalf of civil rights, women’s equality, expanding access to the ballot box, and more have benefited so many and continue to inspire my work in Congress.” - U.S. Rep. André Carson.

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“Birch Bayh was driven by a belief in what we could accomplish given equal opportunity. That simple truth belies towering accomplishments. A United States Senator who twice amended the Constitution, father of Title IX, contributor to critical civil rights legislation. His legacy endures every day on college campuses. It endures in the form of equal opportunity, the right to vote and that all Americans deserve justice.” - Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody.

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“Though Birch Bayh left his indelible mark on our Constitution, our universities, and the history of the United States Senate, he was first and always a Hoosier.” - U.S. Sen. Mike Braun.

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“Birch Bayh never failed to exhibit a gracious and pragmatic approach to public service, listening to all individuals, and working hard every day for a better future for our state and nation. He lived a life dedicated to serving others. May his example continue to lead the way for all current and future public servants.” - U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky

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“Indiana has lost one of our most talented statesmen with the passing of Birch Bayh. His service in the Indiana General Assembly and U.S. Congress earned him a national reputation for being a thoughtful and dedicated public servant.” - State Sen. Rodric Bray, Senate President Pro Tem.