R.I.P. Sen. Robert Byrd

It doesn't matter for the moment what one thinks of his politics or his past associations: Sen. Robert Byrd devoted himself to public service, and for that he deserves our respect and gratitude, and his family deserves our condolences.

Byrd's death, following the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy, changes the face of the Democratic party. There is a real void in that party that President Barack Obama has not and probably cannot fill.