Ted Kennedy Diagnosed With Brain Tumor

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor Tuesday. The Massachusetts Democrat and liberal icon has served in the Senate since 1962. Kennedy, the Senate's second-longest serving member, was re-elected in 2006 and is not up for election again until 2012. Were he to resign or die in office, state law requires a special election for the seat 145 to 160 days afterward. Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia has held the office since January 3, 1959 and he is the longest-serving member in the history of the Senate. He honored Kennedy today in a tearful speech on the Senate floor. Here are his comments:
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