[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/07/30/art.boteddy0730.gi.jpg caption="A conservative group that opposes President Obama's approach to health care reform said Wednesday that it is suspending its ad campaign because of Sen. Kennedy's death."]
WASHINGTON (CNN) – A conservative group that opposes President Obama's approach to health care reform said Wednesday that it is suspending a multi-million dollar television campaign, because of the death of Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy.
"[N]ow is a time for respect, reflection and remembrance," Rick Scott, chairman of Conservatives for Patients' Rights, said in a statement. "Senator Kennedy's lifetime of dedicated public service transcended multiple generations. His devotion to many issues and his relentless passion made him a hero to his supporters and worthy adversary to his opponents. His voice and presence will be missed."
Related: Remembering Sen. Kennedy
Scott also said Wednesday that the group knows "the debate will continue.
"A debate Senator Kennedy embraced with vigor, and we look forward to engaging in the debate in the months ahead."
Conservatives for Patients' Rights has spent more than $4 million on ads against health care reform, including a recent ad buy intended to catch the eye of President Obama who is vacationing this week on Martha's Vineyard.
During his address to the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Kennedy called health care reform "the cause of my life," and said he hoped to see legislation that would "guarantee that every American will have decent, quality health care as a fundamental right."
Related: Health care in America
Very classy! Unexpected... but classy!
'Now is a time for respect,' conservative group says
Give me a break ! When have these GOP Clowns respectede anybody that disagees with them?
I'll say it...that's about the first classy thing they have done, and they should be applauded for it.
Respect, eh? Today there were several callers and emails into the PBS station I was listening to from the haters on the far-right. How sad, that some people are both jury and judge of Sen. Ted Kennedy.
Sen. Kennedy would have been the first one to admit that he is a sinner, that he is flawed and made terrible mistakes in his life.
Yes, let's show some respect for a man who served his country for over 40 years, who lost three brothers in the service of this country.
Say or think what you will about the Kennedys but the fact IS that no other American family has done more for our nation nor serve with more love and courage!
Respect the man by passing the health care bill he was in favor of.
Sen. Kennedy will be missed.
re. Ted Kennedy on the CNN news today – my heart goes out to his family. My husband, John, died at age 68 back in 1998 of cancer of the perotid gland. He too was a beautiful human being. He was in Public Health Service.
God bless.
Joann
Maybe, just maybe, we can all return to civil discourse even when we disagree on the most passionate of issues and find a way to talk to one another not over each other to get stuff done for the American people.
Rick Scott may be a human being after all – I am impressed!!!!
Wow! Civility from the right; who ever would have thought. Maybe they are starting to figure out that we don't want nothing-but-hate from both parties. Good on them.
After reading all the news and information about Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy today. I feel ashamed and embarassed, that I didn't kow how many important legislative bills that Senator Kennedy was involved in for the american people. He will be missed. Maybe, another look at this 'new' health care reform' bill for the american people. Maybe, call it, the " Kennedy Health Care Reform Bill". Mike in Montana
Am glad we still remember what we are; AMERICANS
My God, out of a very sad event a ray of hope: now is the time for respect. Well said. Reminds me of the old Republican Party I once voted for. Thank you sir.
By golly, not all conservative groups are fear-mongering and ignorant. There have been so many lately, I was taken aback by a group that has some decency. Wow. Thank you for this. It's deserved and appreciated.
"Now is a time for respect..." What a sad state of affairs when someone has to die in order for respect to enter our political discourse.
Honor and respect millions of Americans who don't have insurance while you're passing out respect.
I find it hard to believe that this group respects anything. They certainly don't respect the Truth. If they want to show respect, stop telling your lies.
I respect that statement and sentiment. Regardless of view, we are first and foremost Americans.
Cowards. If anyone thinks the left is going to take a break from their campaign for a MINUTE they are delusional. If anything they are going to exploit Kennedy's death to push harder, now is not the time to back off!
GOD BLESS AMERICA FOR Ted Kennedy
THANK YOU Rick Scott,
Now, let's respect his effort to reform "HEALTH CARE"!!
(Condolences to family and friends.)
His ultimate dream: quality, affordable health care for all Americans- as a right not privilege. Everything has its purpose... May your voice echo through the skies now more than ever! Rest in Peace.
If Rick Scott, and his so-called "Conservatives for Patients Rights" really want to show some respect to Senator Kennedy, they should stop spreading their outright lies concerning what our President wants to accomplish with healthcare reform.