SPRINGFIELD - Illinois politicians reacted with sadness Wednesday to the death of longtime U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Gov. Pat Quinn

"Senator Kennedy was an optimist, believing that our country's finest chapters are still to be written. May his work remind us of the importance of dedicating ourselves to serving our country."

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin

"Today there is an empty chair in our Senate and an empty feeling in our hearts

U.S. Sen. Roland Burris

"Senator Kennedy's devotion to our country and his lifetime legacy of fighting for causes such as civil rights, education, and health care are unparalleled. His life and legislative accomplishments will carry on through those he knew, inspired, and fought for."

State Comptroller Dan Hynes

"During a lifetime spent in the public eye, Senator Kennedy never hesitated to carry the torch for society's marginalized - no matter their age, race, gender, or sexual orientation."

U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island

"Senator Kennedy grew up with every privilege a person could have, yet he spent his entire career fighting for the most vulnerable among us. He was a champion of civil rights for women, racial minorities, gays and lesbians, and all those who faced undue discrimination."

U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville

"There has been no greater legislator over the last half century than Senator Kennedy. He influenced every major piece of legislation over that period, due in large part to his ability to reach across the aisle in a bipartisan way to forge consensus."