More Hatfield Reaction

Here's some more reaction to the death of former Oregon U-S Senator and Governor Mark Hatfield, who passed away Sunday at the age of 89:

U-S Senator Ron Wyden: 

Senator Hatfield was a colleague and friend to many who still serve in the United States Senate and he was a hero to a generation of Oregonians who came to admire him for his independence and principles. We will remember him as someone who was universally respected and whose word was his bond.

Senator Hatfield was never one to be driven by party affiliation or ideological litmus tests. He was religious but not intolerant. Idealistic but not naïve. A politician but not partisan. He was willing to stand alone, but never one to grandstand.

I know that all Oregonians join me in offering condolences to his wife, Antoinette, and his four children, Elizabeth, Mark Jr., Theresa and Visko.”

Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney:

“Senator Hatfield’s legacy represents governing the way it ought to be – with a focus on solutions rather than sound bites. Even as he was making history as a legislator, our governor and U.S Senator, he recognized the importance of Oregon’s heritage. He knew that without our history, we would have no soul, no spirit. Today, Senator Hatfield is our history. He was and always will be the soul and spirit of Oregon and her people.”

Oregon Right To Life:

"Oregon Right to Life sends respects to the family of Senator Mark Hatfield;at his passing. Senator Mark Hatfield will be remembered as an early pro-life warrior as he stood boldly in defense of unborn children threatened by abortion. During his tenure, Senator Hatfield supported efforts to pass a Human Life amendment, the Hyde Amendment which keeps federal tax dollars from funding abortions, the ban on Partial-Birth abortions and opposed the so-called Freedom of Choice Act. We are grateful for his leadership, service and example that will live on through his legacy of education and role as advisor to our state’s and nation’s leaders.We join our prayers with many across Oregon and the nation for Senator Hatfield’s family."

Via Twitter:

Bus Project: "RIP, Sen Hatfield. A constant champion for civil rights & the public interest. We need more Mark Hatfields. Thanks for being the first."

Former Oregon State Representative Jeff Kropf: "I admired and liked Hatfield, but he must share blame for our debt mess with deciding 'no' vote on BBA, perhaps denying Dole Presidntl [sic] win"

Also, Hatfield's alma mater has put together an online tribute to Senator Hatfield.