Reaction pours in on social media in response to John McCain news

PHOENIX – Tributes to John McCain poured in on social media Friday after the longtime Republican U.S. senator from Arizona announced he was discontinuing treatment for cancer.

Reaction to the news included statements from political figures in the state for which McCain has served in Congress since 1982. He was a U.S. representative for one term before being elected to the Senate in 1986.

God bless and keep this wonderful man and his family @SenJohnMcCain

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) August 24, 2018

John McCain's life has been one of service and sacrifice. His strength and resolve enabled him to endure 5.5 years as a prisoner of war, and to continue to serve his country for decades.

— Martha McSally (@RepMcSally) August 24, 2018

@SenJohnMcCain is not only an American hero who has sacrificed so much for his country, he’s Arizona’s hero. His strength and commitment to our great state and this country can’t be matched. I’m thinking of him and his family today and wishing them peace and comfort.

— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) August 24, 2018

.@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero. Angela and I send our prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy and the entire McCain family. Read my statement: pic.twitter.com/oxzKPKXucq

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) August 24, 2018

The top-ranking officials in McCain’s party also weighed in.

John McCain personifies service to our country. The whole House is keeping John and his family in our prayers during this time.

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) August 24, 2018

Very sad to hear this morning’s update from the family of our dear friend @SenJohnMcCain. We are so fortunate to call him our friend and colleague. John, Cindy, and the entire McCain family are in our prayers at this incredibly difficult hour.

— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) August 24, 2018

Mitt Romney, a Senate candidate in Utah who, like McCain, was a GOP presidential nominee, praised the former Navy pilot and Vietnam prisoner of war for his service.

No man this century better exemplifies honor, patriotism, service,
sacrifice, and country first than Senator John McCain. His heroism
inspires, his life shapes our character. I am blessed and humbled by
our friendship.

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) August 24, 2018

Sarah Palin, McCain’s running mate in the 2008 presidential election, wished comfort to the senator and his family.

Democrats in the Senate had kind words for their colleague, too.

My thoughts and prayers are with Senator McCain and his family. https://t.co/cqHXdjJntj

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 24, 2018

.@SenJohnMcCain is my friend and a man with unrivaled courage. He has served this nation with distinction, and he and his family are in my prayers.

— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) August 24, 2018

Praying for my courageous colleague @SenJohnMcCain and his family. https://t.co/N162eGjp8K

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 24, 2018

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