*Former GOP 2008 presidential nominee and longtime Arizona seantor, John McCain, has died. McCain transitioned today, Aug. 25 at his Arizona ranch with his family after a battle with brain cancer. He was 81.
Here’s MORE from THR:
McCain had recently decided to discontinue medical treatment. Though McCain had “surpassed expectations for survival,” the family said in an Aug. 24 statement about the decision that “the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict.”
The senator had been away from the Capitol since December. Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is expected to name a replacement who would serve out the remainder of McCain’s term through the 2020 election.
The son and grandson of Navy admirals, McCain was a former Navy pilot and was held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam for more than five years. He was elected to Congress in the early 1980s and elected to the Senate in 1986, replacing Barry Goldwater who retired. McCain gained a reputation as a lawmaker who was willing to stick to his convictions rather than go along with party leaders.
He was a frequent target of criticism from President Donald Trump, especially for his vote against a Republican replacement for “Obamacare,” the health care law approved under President Barack Obama. Trump signed a military policy bill this month named for McCain, but in a sign of their testy relationship the president made no mention of McCain’s name in remarks at a signing ceremony.
Get the FULL report at The Hollywood Reporter.
John McCain condolences:
President Donald Trump has tweeted this:
“My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!” the president tweeted.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson issued the following statement on the passing of Sen. John McCain:
“Today we not only lost a war hero and savvy politician but a man that always put true American values before himself. He was often open to dialogue and conversation about some of this country’s most controversial issues, and he will forever be remembered for his fighting spirit.
We send our condolences to the McCain family and the constituents he proudly served in Arizona for 33 years.”
