HAZLETON – U.S. Congressional candidate Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta issued the following statement regarding the health of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.

I was stunned to learn of Senator Kennedy’s malignant brain tumor. In July 2006, I testified before Senator Kennedy and Senator Specter during a hearing about illegal immigration in Philadelphia. After my prepared remarks, Senator Kennedy asked me about the role of the federal government in stopping illegal immigration. His questions were direct and thoughtful – exactly what I expected from the “Lion of the Senate.”

When the hearing was over, Senator Kennedy was the first one to come up to me. We spoke for a few minutes about my Illegal Immigration Relief Act, and he thanked me for my courage in coming to testify at the hearing and for speaking so openly. I remember he was very gracious and compassionate.

aryGrace, my family, and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator Kennedy, his wife Victoria, and his entire family. We wish him all the best.

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