 Ted Kennedy became animated, his hand slicing the air in front of him. "It's just outrageous how this country treats the District of Columbia," he said. "In the next Congress, we'll have the votes. And I'm with you, Ilir, on this House vote. It is a first step. But it is not enough. We have to get two senators for DC, and we have to get statehood. You tell me what to do, and I'll do it. Whatever it takes, I'm there for you. We have to end this national disgrace." It was 2007 and we were at his house for a Senate fundraiser. A group of us spent about 20 minutes with him talking strategy. He had the same message for me, in fact, every time I saw him: "whatever it takes . . . you can count on me." No matter where you saw Ted Kennedy, if he had a few minutes, he would stop to talk to you. He was accessible and kind in that way. Ted Kennedy was a Bostonian, yes. But, he was also a Washingtonian. He loved the District, the way he loved America. And his passion for social justice in America extended to the District of Columbia. He was one of the lead champions of the DC voting rights constitutional amendment in the '70s. He promoted and led the fight in the Senate for DC statehood. He worked behind the scenes to promote bipartisan support of the DC House Voting Rights Act. And he was a strong supporter of DC Vote. I learned three important lessons from Ted Kennedy: keep your eyes on the big goal while achieving step-by-step reform; never give up, no matter how distant victory may seem, because eventually you will win; when you fight for the common good, your spirit will soar. So enjoy the fight and have fun. Thanks, Senator Kennedy, for all the good works you left behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sincerely,
Ilir Zherka
Executive Director | 
