Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, the longest serving senator in U.S. history, died today at the age of 92.

Michael B. Keegan, President of People For the American Way, issued the following statement:
 
“Sen. Byrd lived a genuinely American story. He worked his way from an impoverished childhood to a seat in the United States Senate. He began his political career as a member of the Klan, but experienced a personal turnaround and become a staunch defender of civil rights. Throughout his 51 years in the Senate, he believed in the power of elected government to be a force for good in the world. He displayed that belief in his unparalleled reverence for the institution of the Senate and his devotion to the people of West Virginia.

“We all send our condolences to Sen. Byrd’s family and the people of West Virginia.”

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