Senator Ted Kennedy Dies at 77

Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy, part of the long dynasty of the Kennedy family in politics, one of the most influential lawmakers in the history of the Senate, died of brain cancer Tuesday night at the age of 77.Kennedy was first diagnosed with a brain tumorin May 2008, after suffering a seizure. Kennedy was given a year to live.

Brother of John F. Kennedy, Edward, or Ted, Kennedy is thought to possibly be the last Kennedy of the family dynasty. In an interview with NYTimes.com, Thomas Whalen, a professor of politics at Boston University, said that "there seems to be no one there to pick up the torch."

Although the next generation of Kennedyspossesses many who are active in political and civic life, none of them are doing it at the same scale as Ted or are gifted with the same gravitas and ambition, which gave Ted the famous nickname "Lion of the Senate."