AL lawmakers react to death of U.S. Sen. John McCain

By | August 26, 2018 at 1:21 AM CDT - Updated August 27 at 8:44 AM

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Saturday evening news broke of the passing of U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) after a battle with a form of brain cancer known as Glioblastoma.

Friday it was reported that McCain chose to discontinue his treatment for the disease he'd battled for the last year.

Saturday night, Alabama lawmakers issued statements on the passing of McCain.

Alabama State House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter released the following statement:

"The members of the Alabama House Republican Caucus join the rest of the nation in mourning the death of U.S. Senator John McCain, a true American patriot.

Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama released the following statement:

"John McCain was a brave American and a true hero – one who honorably served our country for 60 years. His distinguished presence in the Senate will be missed, and his unwavering commitment to our country will live on in his legacy. The McCain family remain in our thoughts and prayers during this hard time."

McCain was familiar to the state of Alabama. He was present for the inauguration of Bob Riley in 2007 as governor. McCain also carried the state of Alabama when he ran in the 2008 presidential election.