Skip to main content

Oregon congressional, state leaders remember John McCain as 'true icon'

August 25, 2018

Oregon political leaders remembered the "courageous and remarkable" life of Sen. John McCain after news of his death arrived Saturday.

McCain, 81, died after a battle with brain cancer. A prisoner of war in Vietnam, McCain went on to a decades-long political career that included a presidential run in 2008, when he made a campaign stop in Portland.

The Arizona senator's most recent high-profile appearances in Oregon came in 2014. He made several campaign stops with Republican Senate hopeful Monica Wehby, who ultimately lost to the Democratic incumbent, Sen. Jeff Merkley.

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, Oregon's lone Republican member of Congress, described McCain as a "true icon."

"From his bravery in Vietnam, to his dedication to the people of Arizona in the House and Senate, John McCain was a true hero who exemplified what it means to be a public servant," Walden wrote on Twitter.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D, said he was honored to work alongside McCain, who once campaigned against his reelection in 2014.

"He led a courageous & remarkable life, made tremendous sacrifices, & carried a deep love for our nation," Merkley wrote in a statement on Twitter.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D, also shared his remembrances of McCain on Twitter.

"A lion of the US Senate, a patriot, a true American hero, a father, husband, son - rest in peace, Senator McCain, you've completed your last tour of duty."

U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D, described McCain as a strong ally despite their opposing political parties.

"John McCain's sense of honor made him a strong ally in the Senate as we worked together on legislation to ensure the US fulfilled its obligations to protect the Iraqi & Afghan men & women who risked their lives—and the lives of their families—to help Americans," Blumenauer wrote on Twitter.

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D, wrote on Twitter that McCain was "a consummate statesman who wholeheartedly served his country over the decades in a wide variety of settings — from the battlefield to the Senate floor. A brave and principled man, he stayed optimistic until the end and always put the country before politics."

Oregon Gov. Kate Brownshared her condolences, as well.

"No matter your politics, Senator McCain's legacy of service and sacrifice to our country is undeniable," she wrote on Twitter.

"Senator McCain's maverick sensibility allowed for folks to disagree with him, but to always respect his patriotism to our great nation."