U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey and Bob Casey Jr. remember John McCain.
U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey and Bob Casey Jr. issued statements on Saturday following the passing of Arizona Sen. John McCain.
Toomey said, “Today is a sad day for the Senate and America. Sen. John McCain was a hero and one of our nation’s greatest patriots. But most of all, Sen. McCain was a fighter. He fought for his country in Vietnam. He fought for his brothers in arms while being held as prisoners of war. And for more than 30 years, Sen. McCain fought for Arizonans in the Senate. Most importantly, Sen. McCain was not afraid to fight for what he thought was right, even when it was unpopular. Sen. McCain led a life that should be admired and respected by all Americans. I am proud to have called him a friend. Kris and I send our deepest sympathies to Cindy and the entire McCain family.”
Casey said, “John McCain was a patriot who served our nation with honor and distinction as a Navy pilot and public official. Today, we come together to mourn his loss, to express gratitude for the sacrifices he made for America and to extend our condolences to his family. As a service member, he experienced the horrors of war and captivity and still returned with a desire to continue serving our nation. Throughout his time in the House of Representatives and more than 30 years in the Senate, John McCain was a tireless fighter for his principles and a champion of U.S. service members. We have all benefited from Sen. McCain’s lifetime of service. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
McCain visited the Northeast on a couple of occasions.
In 2004, he campaigned for President George W. Bush’s re-election by rallying volunteers at Cannstatter’s.
In 2008, as the Republican presidential nominee, he visited the Engine 56 firehouse at Rhawn Street and Verree Road in Fox Chase. He brought doughnuts and coffee to firefighters during a visit organized by Local 22 trustee Jerry Kots and Joe DeFelice, director of McCain’s Philadelphia campaign. ••
