Political Leaders React To Nancy Reagan's Death
Former first lady Nancy Reagan died at her home in Los Angeles, California, her assistant said on Sunday. She was 94. Reaction to her death follows:
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MINNESOTA CONGRESSMAN JOHN KLINE
"As President Reagan's military aide serving in the White House, it was a privilege to know Nancy Reagan. She had a profound influence on our country and her love, devotion, and loyalty to President Reagan was an example for us all. She was passionate about her country and adored her beloved 'Ronnie' and I take comfort knowing they will be reunited for eternity. Vicky and I join all Americans in extending our prayers to the entire Reagan family."
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MINNESOTA SENATOR AMY KLOBUCHAR
"I was saddened to hear about the passing of Former First Lady Nancy Reagan. She served admirably as First Lady. Later, when her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she fought to advance the progress of research on that disease and was a strong advocate for innovative medical research for cures and new treatments for all diseases. We can ensure that Mrs. Reagan's legacy lives on by carrying on this advocacy. I send my condolences to her family and many friends."
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FORMER REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND EX-MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY
"With the passing of Nancy Reagan, we say a final goodbye to the days of Ronald Reagan. With charm, grace, and a passion for America, this couple reminded us of the greatness and the endurance of the American experiment. Some underestimate the influence of a First Lady but from Martha and Abigail through Nancy and beyond, these women have shaped policy, strengthened resolve, and drawn on our better angels. God and Ronnie have finally welcomed a choice soul home."
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FORMER CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
"Nancy Reagan was one of my heroes. She served as First Lady with unbelievable power, class and grace and left her mark on the world. She's with her Ronnie now, but those of us she left behind will miss her dearly."
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FORMER FIRST LADY BARBARA BUSH
"Nancy Reagan was totally devoted to President Reagan, and we take comfort that they will be reunited once more. George and I send our prayers and condolences to her family."
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REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND SENATOR TED CRUZ
"Nancy Reagan will be remembered for her deep passion for this nation and love for her husband, Ronald. The Reagan family is in our prayers."
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REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND BUSINESSMAN DONALD TRUMP
"Nancy Reagan, the wife of a truly great President, was an amazing woman. She will be missed!"
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FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH
"Laura and I are saddened by the loss of former first lady Nancy Reagan. Mrs. Reagan was fiercely loyal to her beloved husband, and that devotion was matched only by her devotion to our country. Her influence on the White House was complete and lasting. During her time as first lady and since, she raised awareness about drug abuse and breast cancer. When we moved into the White House, we benefited from her work to make those historic rooms beautiful. Laura and I are grateful for the life of Nancy Reagan, and we send our condolences to the entire Reagan family."
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REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN REINCE PRIEBUS
"Nancy Reagan embodied what it means to represent America as first lady and her dignified and warm demeanor inspired America. Mrs. Reagan will go down in history as a woman who left her own mark on the White House and our country. She was a longtime friend and supporter of many in our party, and will be sorely missed."
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FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER
"President Reagan has been reunited with his wife and partner but America and the Reagan family have lost a woman of grace and strength. I join people from around the country and the world in sending them our best thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. A woman of strength and wit, Nancy Reagan's dedication to our country was matched only by that of her husband. Theirs was one of our nation's great love stories and a model of shared devotion to our country. America is stronger and better for their service."
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DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRWOMAN REP. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ
"Mrs. Reagan understood the enormous responsibility that comes with representing our nation from the White House on the world stage, and she was beloved by the American people for her grace and dignity in that role. Her 'Just Say No' campaign to keep children from abusing drugs had a long-lasting impact that no doubt saved lives. And her work later in life to support the National Alzheimer's Association and stem cell research helped advance the science of finding a cure for a devastating disease that affects millions of American families every day."