ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - New York State leaders weighed in Saturday night after learning of the death of Sen. John McCain.
"As you go through life, you meet few truly great people. John McCain was one of them," Schumer said. "Maybe most of all, he was a truth teller - never afraid to speak truth to power in an era where that has become all too rare….Nothing will overcome the loss of Senator McCain, but so that generations remember him I will be introducing a resolution to rename the Russell building after him.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said that, “We will never forget the unparalleled courage, heart and service of John McCain. My thoughts are with his family as they mourn this great loss, but also as they celebrate his incredible life. It was a privilege to serve beside John in the Senate, and he will be so greatly missed.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo said that, "America lost one of her greatest warriors today. At a time of political division and hostility, Senator McCain was a maverick who was willing to put principles above party. While I did not always agree with his positions, he was a public servant who indisputably aimed to put country over party.”
On Sunday, Cuomo directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Senator John McCain from now until his funeral.