DALLAS (AP) - Reaction to the death of Jim Wright, former U.S. House speaker and longtime Texas Democratic congressman:
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"Michelle and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Former Congressman and Speaker of the House Jim Wright. Jim represented the people of his beloved Texas for over three decades. He was a committed public leader and a proud World War II veteran who dedicated much of his life to serving his country.
"As a Representative from Texas and Speaker of the House, Jim was passionate about investing in infrastructure, and he worked tirelessly to promote peace in Central America. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family and friends, and the people he represented in Congress for so many years." - President Barack Obama.
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"We didn't often agree on the issues during our time in Washington, but we did share both a deep and abiding love for this country as well as a commitment to service. I am pleased to join my fellow Texans and Americans in saluting Speaker Wright for his accomplished career, and in sending our heartfelt condolences to his family." - Former President George H.W. Bush.
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"We remember Speaker Wright today for his lifelong commitment to public service, from flying combat missions over the South Pacific to fighting for Fort Worth on the House floor. Speaker Wright understood as well as anyone this institution's closeness to the people, calling the House 'the raw essence of the nation.'" - U.S. House Speaker John Boehner.
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"Speaker Wright was a person of deep courage, brilliant eloquence and complete mastery of the legislative process. Speaker Wright's strong, decisive leadership built an indelible legacy of progress, not only in his beloved state of Texas, but around the world. Wright championed prosperity for every working family, and helped lead the way to peace to Central America." - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
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"Jim Wright served at a time when political giants from Texas roamed Washington. ... It was a very exciting political time when a young mayor from Weatherford arrived in Washington and began sitting at the feet of political giants like Sam Rayburn and Lyndon Johnson, and learning their trade." - Ben Barnes, a former Texas lieutenant governor and speaker of the Texas House.
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"A strong leader for Texas and America - in uniform and in government - he devoted his life to public service. As a powerful orator, he inspired so many of us, not only with his work in the House, but his work thereafter." - U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas.
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"Texas has a history of strong leaders at the national level, and I think Jim Wright was cut from that same cloth. He wielded a lot of power and influence, which helped the state of Texas, and that's important. He dedicated his adult life to public service, and that's something that I admire." - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.