WASHINGTON (AP) — Arizona Sen. John McCain, the war hero who became the GOP’s standard-bearer in the 2008 election, has died. He was 81.
His office says McCain died Saturday. He had battled brain cancer.
Several past and current leaders of the Missouri and Kansas congressional delegations paid tribute to McCain.
I feel so fortunate that I had a chance to learn from him and laugh with him. He was a tremendous role model for our democracy and gave his life to the public good. My love to the McCain family.There’ll never be another like #JohnMcCain.
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) August 26, 2018
As I served with John McCain he became one of my heroes. We didn’t always agree but he was always motivated to do what he thought was the right thing.
— Senator Roy Blunt (@RoyBlunt) August 26, 2018
Elizabeth and I join the nation in mourning the loss of our dear friend and colleague @SenJohnMcCain. John lived his life with courage, commitment, and dedication to our nation. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with Cindy and the entire McCain family.
— Senator Bob Dole (@SenatorDole) August 26, 2018
My friend @SenJohnMcCain is an American hero and has spent his life serving our country. Franki and I are praying for the entire McCain family and wish them peace and comfort in the coming days.
— Pat Roberts (@SenPatRoberts) August 24, 2018
Godspeed to my friend @SenJohnMcCain, who leaves behind a profound legacy of courage and conviction. Robba and I are praying for the McCain family and we thank them for sharing John with us for so many years.
— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) August 26, 2018
In 1967, his plane was shot down on a bombing mission over North Vietnam. He was severely injured and spent more than five years as a prisoner of war.
He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1982 and the Senate in 1986. A conservative on most issues, he pushed for campaign finance reform and the effort to account for those missing in Vietnam.
He ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000, then won it in 2008. But he and running mate Sarah Palin lost to Barack Obama.