R.I.P. Senator Robert C. Byrd (1917-2010)

I was saddened this morning to learn of the death of Senator Robert C. Byrd — not only the longest serving Senator in history, but perhaps the only member who can fairly be said to be the historical memory and conscience of the U.S. Senate itself.

I can’t say much more about Byrd than I did in this entry from last year — except to add that the Senate, West Virginia, and American politics will long feel his absence. You’ll be missed, you crusty fellow, you.