Transportation unions praise Sen. Inouye’s career

{mosads}Wytkind said Sen. Inouye’s “unyielding view that Congress should give voice to everyone, not just the privileged, will forever define the legacy of this truly remarkable leader.

“And he did so with a deep sense of humility and kindness,” Wytkind continued. “We will always remember and be inspired by the compassion and decency that defined Senator Inouye’s career in public life.”

Inouye’s death was announced on the floor of the Senate on Monday afternoon by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). He had been the most senior member of the upper chamber and third in line for the presidency.

Inouye’s replacement for the remainder of his term in the Senate, which was scheduled to end in 2014, will be selected by Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D).

Inouye’s office has said that the late senator had urged Abercrombie to appoint Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) to replace him before he died on Monday.