Two former presidents -- Barack Obama and George W. Bush -- are expected to speak at Sen. John McCain's service and he will lie in state in both the nation's capital and Arizona as part of a cross-country funeral procession ending with his burial at the U.S. Naval Academy, according to plans taking shape Sunday.
McCain had long feuded with President Donald Trump, and two White House officials said McCain's family had asked, before the senator's death, that Trump not attend the funeral services. Vice President Mike Pence is likely to attend, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private discussions.
A day after McCain died of brain cancer at 81, his family, friends and congressional and state leaders were working out details of the farewell to the decorated Vietnam War hero, prisoner of war and six-term senator.
In Colorado, political leaders of all stripes were united in praise of the senator and condolences for the McCain family when news of McCain's death was made public.
- Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet: "Susan and I extend our deepest condolences to the McCain family. We also express our gratitude to Senator McCain for his never-ending kindness to our daughters when they visited Washington."
- Republican Rep. Ken Buck: "I'm thankful for Senator McCain's many decades of service to our nation and my prayers go out to his family tonight."
- Republican Rep. Mike Coffman: "My deepest sympathy is with the McCain family this evening. The Senator was an extraordinary leader, a war hero and a great public servant. His legacy and service to our Nation won’t be forgotten."
- Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette: "Senator John McCain was a man who, throughout his life, showed us the meaning of duty, bravery and integrity. I honor him for his decades of service to our country and send my deepest condolences to his family. Rest In Peace."
- Republican Sen. Cory Gardner: "Jaime and I are praying for Cindy and the entire McCain family. John was a patriot and hero, and I’ll miss his leadership in the Senate."
- Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper: "John McCain dedicated his life to serving this country. We (and the world) lost an incredible leader. He could never have imagined how much he’ll be missed."
- Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn: John McCain will be truly missed. He served his country well. My prayers are with his family at this time.
- Democratic Rep. Ed Perlmutter: John McCain was a courageous, resilient and honorable American who dedicated his life to serving our country, and his impact will not be forgotten. My thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.
- Democratic Rep. and candidate for governor Jared Polis: "Rest In Peace, Senator John McCain."
- State Treasurer and Republican candidate for governor Walker Stapleton: "Senator John McCain was an American hero and an American icon. He will be missed by millions and I stand with all Coloradans today as we mourn this loss for our country. Jenna and I are praying for the entire McCain family tonight."
- Republican Rep. Scott Tipton: Senator John McCain served our country with dignity and honor. He and his family are in our prayers.
