Here’s what local politicians are saying about the passing of Barbara Bush

Local politicians are remembering former first lady Barbara Bush for her “grace” and for being a “strong woman who loved her family, the State of Maine,” and her country. Bush passed away Tuesday at the age of 92. In New England, the messages of condolences and expressions of grief came from politicians on both sides of the aisle.  “Devoted mother, loving wife, beloved leader,” Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey said following the news of her passing. “Barbara Bush was a woman of unique American grace and integrity.  She was devoted to the nation, and we loved her in return.”“Every summer for more than 20 years, I have visited President and Mrs. Bush at their Kennebunkport home,” Maine Sen. Susan Collins wrote. “It was always one of the highlights of the year. I shall miss those delightful visits with her.”Below, the messages that have been shared by local politicians following the death of the former first lady: 

I had the chance to meet former First Lady Barbara Bush on several occasions & also watched her interact with rooms full of people. Tons of grace & charm. Thank you for your service to our country. RIP.

— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) April 18, 2018

Ann and I send our deepest condolences to the Bush family upon the passing of First Lady Barbara Bush tonight. Mainers hold a special place in our hearts for President and Mrs. Bush,and we will treasure our memories of her time spent in our state. She will be missed.

— Paul R. LePage (@Governor_LePage) April 18, 2018

Barbara Bush was a great First Lady, a terrific advocate for literary programs and the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, and a strong woman who loved her family, the State of Maine, and our country. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/v320lXwqUy

— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) April 18, 2018

Every summer for more than 20 years, I have visited President and Mrs. Bush at their Kennebunkport home. It was always one of the highlights of the year. I shall miss those delightful visits with her. My heart goes out to President Bush and to the entire family. (3/3)

— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) April 18, 2018

My statement on the passing of First Lady Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/jv8acNeiPf

— Senator Angus King (@SenAngusKing) April 18, 2018

Devoted mother, loving wife, beloved leader. Barbara Bush was a woman of unique American grace and integrity. She was devoted to the nation, and we loved her in return. We grieve for the Bush family and offer our prayers and condolences.

— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) April 18, 2018

Barbara Bush was a gift to our nation. She brought grace and civility to all she did. As a person of faith, a champion for literacy, and a fierce defender of her family & friends, we will miss her unshakable spirit. My thoughts & prayers are with the entire Bush family. pic.twitter.com/TOLYN3H1og

— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) April 18, 2018

With compassion and grace, Barbara Bush inspired generations of Americans. My deepest condolences go to President George H.W. Bush and her entire family.

— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) April 18, 2018

“Believe in something larger than yourself… get involved in the big ideas of your time”- selfless words by a devoted civil servant. Thank you for your dedication to our country, Former First Lady Barbara Bush

— Katherine Clark (@WhipKClark) April 17, 2018

Like our own Abigail Adams, Barbara Bush will not simply be remembered as the wife and mother of Presidents, but also as a strong woman in her own right, wholly dedicated to her family and country.

— Congressman Bill Keating (@USRepKeating) April 18, 2018

Rest in peace, First Lady Barbara Bush. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many in Maine and across our nation. My prayers go out to the entire Bush family tonight.

— Rep. Bruce Poliquin (@RepPoliquin) April 17, 2018

Mrs. Bush served our country with dignity and grace. Liz and I send our thoughts and prayers to both Presidents Bush and their families. https://t.co/Dt2llOEMun

— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) April 17, 2018

Barbara Bush led an extraordinary life. She was intelligent and gracious, and the love she had for her family and the American people was clear to see. I offer my condolences to the entire Bush family during this difficult time. https://t.co/V3NEftKVW8

— Rep. Richard Neal (@RepRichardNeal) April 18, 2018

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