Democratic and Republican Senators praise Obama on his selection of Biden as running mate.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a key early supporter of Barack Obama, joined the chorus praising his choice of Joe Biden as his running mate from his home in Hyannis Port, where he is recovering from brain cancer surgery and treatment.

Barack Obama said he wanted a strong independent leader and a strong advocate
for average Americans, and he got one in Joe Biden. He has a deep devotion to
his family and his country and an impressive record not only in standing up for
American security interests around the world, but for middle class values and
safe neighborhoods here at home. An Obama-Biden Administration will bring the
real change Americans want and the country needs.

Senator John F. Kerry agreed on the wisdom of the choice.

I am honored to express my support for my colleague and good friend Joe Biden as
the next Vice President of the United States," Kerry said in a statement. "From
his championship of families hit hardest by a failing economy to his dedication
to ending the misguided war in Iraq, Joe Biden is ready to help Barack Obama
provide Americans with change we can truly believe in. I have had the privilege
of working closely with Joe on the Foreign Relations Committee and have
witnessed first hand his commitment to elevating America’s stature in the world.
Barack’s vision for a better future for America is reflected in Joe’s commitment
to middle class issues, understanding of international relations, and duty to
country. I look forward to doing all I can to help elect Barack Obama and Joe
Biden as the next President and Vice President of the United States.

U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel issued the following statement today following Senator Barack Obama's selection of Senator Joe Biden as the presumptive Democratic Vice Presidential nominee:

Joe Biden is the right partner for Barack Obama. His many years of
distinguished service to America, his seasoned judgment and his vast experience
in foreign policy and national security will match up well with the unique
challenges of the 21st Century. An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive
and strong team. Biden's selection is good news for Obama and America.

U.S. Republican Senator Richard Lugar made the following statement today en route to Tbilisi, Georgia:

I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Senator
Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate. I have enjoyed for many
years the opportunity to work with Joe Biden to bring strong bipartisan support
to United States foreign policy...

Pennsylvania's Arlen Specter, a Republican who serves on the Judiciary Committee with Biden and often rides Amtrak with him to Washington, also offered praise:

No one on the Democratic side knows more about foreign policy than
Sen. Biden. He's been an articulate spokesman on the subject. He also knows
about domestic policy. He's been a leader on crime control.