Santorum statement on Ted Kennedy

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum issued the following statement on the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy:

"Passionate, tough, committed, persistent, theatrical and obstinate. That was Ted Kennedy.

If you were not on the very top of your game negotiating with Ted Kennedy and his loyal staff, the blood on the mat would undoubtedly be all yours. I respected him as an incredibly skilled senator and unbending fighter for the most liberal of causes that he believed would benefit our country.

When he was out of the arena, he was an affable colleague who was fun to be around. On a personal note, I will always warmly remember in October of 1996 that he was the first of my Senate colleagues to call me and express his condolences for the loss of our son Gabriel.

My deepest sympathies go out to his wonderful wife Vicki and the Kennedy family."