Senator Byrd was laid to rest Tuesday afternoon after more than a week of tributes to his political career.

Sen. Byrd was buried beside his wife Erma at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington.

Limited media access was granted inside the church. WTAP will have some highlights of the services on WTAP News at Six, FOX Parkersburg News at Ten, WTAP News at Eleven and here on WTAP.com

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Updated 7/06/2010 10:005am

Arlington, Va. (AP) -- Family, friends and employees are saying farewell to Sen. Robert C. Byrd at his funeral.

His casket was carried into Memorial Baptist Church early Tuesday by a Military Honor Guard, and a line formed for the late morning service in this Washington-area suburb.

Byrd is to be buried later in the day at an Arlington Cemetery, next to his late wife Erma.

Byrd, a West Virginia Democrat who served half a century in the U.S. Senate, died June 28 at the age of 92 at a hospital in Fairfax, Va.

His body lay in repose on the Senate floor in Washington last week. Thousands in West Virginia also paid their respects at a public viewing in Charleston, where President Barack Obama attended a memorial service.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated 7/5/2010 @ 3:17 pm

WTAP-TV has learned there will be a limited number of Washington, DC-based media outlets permitted to cover Tuesday's funeral services for Senator Robert C. Byrd in Arlington, Virginia. The coverage will NOT be "live" but will be made available to stations across the country later Tuesday afternoon.

WTAP-TV and FOX Parkersburg plan to include excerpts of the funeral in its newscasts and on WTAP.com when it becomes available.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Memorial Baptist Church, 3455 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia.

Here is the schedule released by Senator Byrd's office for Tuesday's funeral services:

9:30 a.m.
Hearse Arrives at the church and military Honor Guard escorts casket into church

9:45 a.m.
Private family time inside church

10:15 a.m.
Church doors open

11:00 a.m.
Funeral Service and Celebration of Life

Speakers will include:

Rev. Dr. William H. Smith
Retired Pastor, Memorial Baptist Church

Dr. Barry C. Black
U.S. Senate Chaplain

Family Remembrances

Rev. Thomas Phythian
Hospice Chaplain

Homily – Rev. Dr. William H. Smith

approx. 12:30 p.m.
Recessional – Military Honor Guard

approx. 12:45 p.m.
Hearse departs for private interment service

There will be NO coverage of the interment services at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington.

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Updated 07/02/2010 05:06pm

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- Secretary of State Natalie Tennant is asking Gov. Joe Manchin and state lawmakers to clarify the state law dealing with the appointment of Sen. Robert C. Byrd's successor.

Tennant says she is asking that Manchin place the issue on the agenda for the special session the Governor has called for July 19.

Earlier this week Tennant said that based on her reading of state law, Manchin's appointee to replace Byrd would not have to face election until 2012.

On Friday, Tennant said she still believes her interpretation is correct, but the current law should be modified so people have a chance to vote on who will serve the remainder of Byrd's unexpired term.

Tennants request came hours after a state Capitol memorial service for Byrd, who died Monday.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginians have said goodbye to Robert C. Byrd.

Under a cloudless summer sky, thousands turned out at West Virginia's Capitol on Friday to remember the mountain state's senior Senator and acknowledge his service.

The 92-year-old Byrd was remembered for an agenda that focused on making life better for the people he represented for more than six decades -- first in the West Virginia Statehouse and then in Congress.

President Barack Obama told those in attendance that Byrd represented the American quality of learning, change and desire to become better.

Byrd died Monday and his body was returned Thursday to West Virginia, where it lay in repose at the statehouse for public review.

Byrd will be buried Tuesday in Virginia next to his wife Erma, who died in 2006.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
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Updated 7/2/2010 @ 10:15 am

FOX Parkersburg and WTAP.com will be carrying live Friday's public memorial service at the West Virginia State Capitol Steps for the late Senator Robert Byrd, starting at 11:30 am.

President Obama, Vice President Biden, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the widow of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy are among the special guests.

In addition to carrying the memorial service live, WTAP also will have a crew at the service and will have a full report on WTAP at Five and WTAP News at Six. We'll also have additional video and interviews on WTAP.com from the service.

To watch our live coverage that starts at 11:30 am, simply click on our live stream link below.

_________________________________________________________
Updated 07/02/2010 11:30am

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- A memorial service for the U.S. Senate's longest serving member is under way.

A casket bearing the body of Robert C. Byrd was carried down the steps of the West Virginia Capitol Friday morning and placed before hundreds of people who came to pay their respects.

The casket was draped with a West Virginia flag and a bouquet of red roses.

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton joined members of Byrd's family, Gov. Joe Manchin and a host of state and national politicians at Friday's ceremony.

Byrd died Monday at the age of 92.

Following Friday's service, his body will be returned to Virginia, where he will be buried on Tuesday beside his wife Erma, who died in 2006.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated 07/02/2010 10:00 am

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginians are gathering at the State Capitol to say goodbye to Robert C. Byrd.

The nation's longest-serving member of Congress began his political career at the State Capitol when he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1947.

Byrd went on to serve in the West Virginia Senate before being elected to Congress in 1953.

That started a nearly six decade-long tenure in Congress that ended Monday when the 92-year-old former fiddle-playing butcher from Sophia died.

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and a who's who of political dignitaries are expected to join Gov. Joe Manchin and hundreds of West Virginians in honoring Byrd.

After Friday's ceremony, Byrd's body will be flown back to Virginia, where he will be buried on Tuesday.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated 07/01/2010 08:37 pm

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- Hundreds of mourners lined streets leading to West Virginia's State Capitol to say goodbye to Robert C. Byrd, the nation's longest-serving U.S. Senator.

Byrd's casket was flown from Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base to Charleston's airport Thursday evening.

From there it was brought by hearse to the Federal Courthouse that bears his name.

A horse-drawn hearse then carried the casket along a 2.2-mile route to the Capitol for a 12-hour public viewing.

A memorial service is set for the Capitol on Friday. President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton and other dignitaries are expected to attend.

Byrd served 51 years as a U.S. Senator until his death Monday at age 92.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated 07/01/2010 06:20pm

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd is home.

The body of the longest-serving member of the Senate arrived in West Virginia Thursday evening after a flight from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

A West Virginia Air National Guard C-130 carried the 92-year-old Byrd's casket back to the state.

Earlier in the day, Byrd's body lay in repose on the senate floor while senators, staffers and others paid their respects.

Byrd's casket will proceed by horse-drawn carriage from the courthouse that bears his name in Charleston to the State Capitol.

His body will lay in repose in the Capitol Rotunda overnight. A memorial service will be held Friday.

Byrd is to be buried next Tuesday in Arlington, VA., next to his wife, Erma.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
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Updated 7/1/2010 @ 4:35 pm

Sen. Byrd's casket has been removed from the U.S. Senate Chamber in Washington, DC, and is on its way to Yeager Airport in Charleston.

The WV Air National Guard's C-130 Hercules aircraft that's carrying the casket is expected to land at Charleston's Yeager Airport at 5:50 pm.

We anticipate having live coverage on My5 (cable channel 5 or digital 15.3) and on WTAP.com of the landing and loading of the casket to the waiting hearse for its trip to the Robert C. Byrd Courthouse on Virginia Street, East.

We also will have the very latest on preparations for Sen. Byrd's procession to the State Capitol on WTAP at Five and WTAP News at Six.

________________________________________________________

Updated 7/1/2010 @ 3:33 pm

The exact route has been released of Thursday evening's procession in Charleston to the State Capitol.

Sen. Byrd's casket will proceed by horse-drawn cortege from the Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse down Virginia Street to Laidley Street, and then down the length of Kanawha Boulevard to the Capitol.

At approximately 8:00 pm, a 30-minute receiving ceremony will begin at the Capitol. During the ceremony, there will be a flyover of two C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Charleston-based 130th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia National Guard.

Following the ceremony, the casket will be moved to the Capitol Rotunda, with public viewing starting at 9:00 pm.

_________________________________________________________

Updated 7/1/2010 @ 10:13 am

No live coverage of the late Sen. Byrd's casket in the U.S. Senate Chambers is being permitted. A Senate Rules Committee rule, which caught many networks off guard, permits "live cameras" in the Senate Chambers only while the U.S. Senate is in session. Appeals by NBC and presumably other networks failed to persuade the Senate Rules Committee to suspend this rule.

The next live coverage of the late Sen. Byrd will occur at approximately 4:00 pm, when his casket is removed from the Senate Chambers and put in a hearse that will transport his remains to Andrews AFB. From there, a WV Air National Guard C-130 Hercules plane will fly Byrd's body to Yeager Airport in Charleston. The plane is expected to land at 5:50 pm. WTAP will have a crew at the airport.

_________________________________________________________

WTAP's coverage of Thursday's memorial services for the late Sen. Byrd begins Thursday morning at approximately 9:45 am on My5 (cable channel 5 or digital 15.3) and right here on WTAP.com.

At that time, a hearse will arrive at the U.S. Capitol's Senate steps. An Honor Guard will carry Sen. Byrd's casket up the Senate Steps into the U.S. Senate Chamber.

_________________________________________________________

Updated 06/30/2010 06:20pm

A professor at West Virginia University at Parkersburg says that, to look back at Robert Carlyle Byrd's career...you have to start with Byrd's own beginnings...in which the young Byrd came to West Virginia, after being born in North Carolina.

"When you look at his beginnings, and look at where he ended, it was an amazing feat that he grew as a human being," Anderson notes. "He recognized where he was failing, and he improved himself."

Part of that growth, Anderson says, can be found in his initial opposition to civil rights legislation passed in the 1960's...legislation he says Byrd came to realize was important not only to West Virginia, but to the entire nation.

"As he matured in the senate, he came to realize this was a significant issue he really needed to be a part of, and not be an obstacle to growth in the United States."

And then there's the national perception of Byrd as the "King of Pork", for channeling money for federal projects to the Mountain State: an act for which the nation often scorned him, and for which most West Virginians revere him.

"When we talk about building roads, that's the very foundation for economic growth," Anderson says. "When we talk about building federal facilities, I do not know of any mandate that requires a location for them to be built. The senator went out and fought for the state."

Then there's this thought: Byrd served in the Senate both with Al Gore and his father, as well as with Prescott Bush, whose son and granson both became President of the United States.

__________________________________________________________

Updated 06/30/2010 05:36pm

Washington (AP) -- President Barack Obama has ordered flags at the White House and other federal buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of the late Sen. Robert Byrd.

Obama issued the order Wednesday, two days after Byrd's death at age 92. Byrd, of West Virginia, was the longest-serving U.S. Senator.

Byrd's body will lie in repose in the Senate chamber on Thursday, and a memorial service will be held in West Virginia on Friday.

Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are attending.

Byrd is to be interred next Tuesday next to his wife, Erma, at a cemetery in Virginia. Obama ordered flags to remain at half-staff until sunset the day of Byrd's interment.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated 06/30/2010 09:45am

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin doesn't expect to start searching for a successor to the late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd until after the longest-serving Senator in history is buried next week.

Manchin says next Wednesday is soon enough to begin considering appointees.

The Governor says starting any earlier would be disrespectful.

Byrd died Monday at 92.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. next Tuesday at Memorial Baptist Church in Arlington, VA.

Byrd will be interred alongside his wife Erma in Arlington.

Manchin says he's focused on comforting Byrd's family and longtime staffers.

His office is also planning memorials in West Virginia to Byrd.

The vacancy affects the democrats' slim senate majority, and the fate of the Obama Administration's proposed financial overhaul.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

__________________________________________________________

Updated 06/30/2010 09:40am

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- State Attorney General Darrell McGraw's office is reviewing a decision over the process for picking a successor to the late Robert C. Byrd's U.S. Senate seat.

Chief Deputy Attorney General Fran Hughes said Tuesday a look at Secretary of State Natalie Tennant's decision is necessary to make sure it is legally sound and supported by case law.

Tennant announced Monday the person picked by Gov. Joe Manchin to fill Byrd's seat won't have to face a special election until November 2012 for the remaining two months of Byrd's term.

An election will also be held then for a new 6-year term.

Tennant said election laws and a 1994 State Supreme Court ruling were studied, and she decided not to seek an opinion from McGraw's office or the court before making the decision.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

__________________________________________________________

Updated 06729/2010 10:46pm

Charleston, W.Va. (Ap) -- President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will attend a memorial service for the late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd at the State Capitol.

The memorial service is set for 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Capitol's North Plaza in Charleston.

Gov. Joe Manchin is giving state government employees the day off Friday. He's declared it a day of observance in Byrd's honor.

The President and Vice President also attended an April 25 memorial service in Beckley for the 29 miners killed at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch Mine.

A Byrd spokesman says the late Senator's casket is scheduled to arrive at Charleston's Yeager Airport shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday. The casket will be placed in a hearse for transport to the Federal Courthouse, followed by a public procession to the State Capitol.

Byrd's body will lie in repose at the Capitol's Lower Rotunda. The public can view the casket from 9 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday.

Burial is set for Tuesday near his wife, Erma, in Arlington, VA.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

__________________________________________________________

Updated 06/29/2010 @ 4:56 pm

The office of the late U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd has released the complete schedule of memorial arrangements that will take place in Washington, DC, and in Charleston, WV.

Thursday, July 1st


9:45 am
Hearse arrives at the Senate steps at the U.S. Capitol.

9:50 am
Honor guard proceeds with casket up the Senate steps into the U.S. Senate Chamber, where the casket will be placed upon the Lincoln Catafalque.

10:15 am - 12:00 pm
Senator Byrd's family receives members of the Senate and House who wish to pay their respects.

10:15 am - 3:45 pm
U.S. Senate Chamber Public galleries are opened to the public who wish to pay their respects.

10:30 am
U.S. Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry Black offers prayer.

4:00 pm
Casket is removed from the Senate Chamber and taken by hearse to Andrews AFB for flight to Yeager Airport in Charleston.

5:50 pm
Aircraft arrives at Yeager Airport in Charleston.

6:00 pm
Casket is removed from plane and taken by hearse to the Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse at 300 Virginia Street, East. There will be a public procession ending at the WV State Capitol where the casket is moved to the Capitol rotunda.

9:00 pm - midnight
Public viewing in Rotunda of State Capitol.

Friday, July 2nd


12:01 am - 9:00 am
Public viewing in Rotunda of State Capitol.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Memorial service and Celebration of Life at the WV State Capitol's North Plaza.

4:00 pm
Casket taken by hearse from the WV State Capitol to Yeager Airport and departs for Andrews AFB.

Tuesday, July 6th


11:00 am
Funeral service at memorial Baptist Church, 3455 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA. The service is open to the public, but there is limited seating. Sen. Byrd will be buried near his wife, Erma Ora Byrd, in a private service at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

__________________________________________________________

Updated 06/29/2010 1:16pm

West Virginians will get a chance to pay tribute to the late U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd.

According to a press release from West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin's Office, Senator Byrd will lie in repose at the State Capitol's Lower Rotunda starting at 9:00pm on Thursday thru 9:00am on Friday.

The public is invited to to take part in the procession, to honor and celebrate Byrd's life.

A public memorial will take place following the procession at 11:30 Friday morning.

That will take place at the State Capitol's North Plaza.

__________________________________________________________

Updated 06/29/2010 11:25am

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- Gov. Joe Manchin's eventual choice to succeed the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd will have a tough time staying in office, if West Virginia's history is any guide.

None of the five men previously appointed to vacant U.S. Senate seats survived the next election. One decided not to run. The rest lost.

Results for West Virginia Governors seeking a Senate berth have been nearly as poor. Four have pursued a Senate seat while in office. Just one succeeded: Sen. Jay Rockefeller. The democrat first won his current seat in 1984 during his second term as Governor.

West Virginia's first Governor, Arthur Boreman, left office to become a Senator but in the days before they were directly elected.

Byrd died Monday at 92. Manchin has yet to name a successor.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated 06/29/2010 10:30am

Washington (AP) -- The body of West Virginia democrat Robert C. Byrd will lie Thursday in repose in the Senate Chamber, where he served for more than half a century.

Byrd, who died early Monday at 92, was fond of saying that he loved the institution more than its members.

He was the unquestioned expert on the Senate's bewildering rules and traditions, and he was the longest-serving member of Congress in history.

He was third in the line of Presidential succession, behind Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Law enforcement officials and a knowledgeable Senate aide said Byrd's casket will lie in repose in the Senate Chamber, rather than the Capitol Rotunda.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated 6/29/2010 09:51

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- Gov. Joe Manchin has ordered the lights on the exterior of the West Virginia capitol dome to be turned off in a tribute to the late Senator Robert C. Byrd.

Manchin's order Monday is effective indefinitely.

Manchin says it's a fitting way to honor the country's longest-serving senator.

Byrd died Monday at age 92 in a Virginia hospital.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated 6/29/2010 09:48am

Honolulu (AP) -- U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye is now President pro tem of the senate after the death of his colleague, Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia.

The 92-year-old Byrd had served 51 years in the senate, the longest of any senator. The 85-year-old Inouye was elected to the senate in 1962 and now is the longest-serving living senator.

In his new post, Inouye is in line to become President should something happen to President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

In a statement yesterday, Inouye says his heart is heavy with sadness.

He says he and Byrd were friends for nearly 50 years, recounting how Byrd was the first senator to greet him when he first entered the senate chamber as a new member.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

__________________________________________________________

Update 06/28/2010 6:28pm

The outgoing chairman of the local Democratic party campaigned with Senator Robert Byrd in 2006, and first met him in the 1970's.

Walt Auvil notes that Senator Byrd was a follower of constitutional law, and Byrd was known for carrying a copy of the constitution everywhere he went.

Auvil says Byrd was particularly concerned that too much power was being transferred from the legislative to the executive branch of government.

"He felt very much that that was happening, and the Constitution didn't allow for it to happen," Auvil said. "And that was maybe the greatest contribution Senator Byrd made, and it stuck through his career."

Auvil notes Senator Byrd was the last living member of the senate to have voted on statehood for both Alaska and Hawaii.

__________________________________________________________

Update 06/28/2010 6:21pm

He served in congress longer than almost anyone else...and Robert C. Byrd, who died overnight at the age of 92, was remembered Monday by members of both political parties...as well as by members of the general public.

Among the flags flying at half-staff are those at the downtown Public Debt buildings...now the area's biggest employers...and that's mostly through no small effort of Senator Byrd.

And in Parkersburg, local residents, including those who didn't always agree with senator byrd, said his service to the state was incomparable.

"He did an awful lot of West Virginia," said Larry Newlon. "He didn't always vote the way I thought he should. But all in all, he was a good man, he had my respect."

"Sometimes, he was criticized," noted Wes Bargeloh, "but that happens with everybody."

Everyone we spoke to believed the projects Senator Byrd fought for and succeeded in getting benefitted everyone in West Virginia.

"Senator Byrd served our state well, and he will be missed," said Jay Sprague

During the time the senator's health has been failing, there has been talk that Governor Joe Manchin might be considered a possible successor.

But the governor Monday tried to end that speculation, saying he would not appoint himself to replace Byrd, and that he doesn't have a timetable for appointing a successor.

And we have gotten word that there will not be a special election to fill Byrd's seat this year...Secretary of State Natalie Tennant says the governor's appointee will not face an election until 2012.

_________________________________________________________

Update 06/28/2010 05:42pm

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- Secretary of State Natalie Tennant says there won't be a special election this year to fill the seat vacated by the death of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd.

Tennant says based on a review of state law and a 1994 State Supreme Court ruling, Gov. Joe Manchin's appointee won't have to face election until 2012.

At that time, there will be two races for U.S. Senate. One will be for Byrd's unexpired term. The second would be for a full six-year term.

Tennant says the situation is unique, but state law requires appointees to file for the office and then stand for election in a primary election.

West Virginia's primary was in may and the next is not until May 2012.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated: 06/28/2010 4:50pm

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- U.S. and West Virginia flags at state facilities are flying at half-staff in honor of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd.

The 92-year-old democrat died early Monday at a Virginia hospital.

Gov. Joe Manchin ordered the flags to be lowered to commemorate Byrd's life and service.

In the nation's capital, flags at the White House and the capitol also flew at half-staff Monday.

Manchin says Byrd made a significant mark on the histories of both West Virginia and the nation.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated: 06/28/2010 1:40pm

Sophia, W.Va. (AP) -- Along Robert C. Byrd Drive as it winds through southern West Virginia hills, residents recall the longest-serving U.S. Senator who called this area home.

Mourning Byrd's death Monday at age 92, they say he helped coal miners stricken by black lung and visited their relatives sick in the hospital.

They also remember the federal earmarks he secured for West Virginia in a quest to spur jobs and improve lives.

Lois Tolliver works in one of the businesses clustered along the 17-mile road. She said Byrd was helping her retired father with his black lung claim.

Business owner Max Priddy recalled his father's friendship with Byrd dating back to the 1940s. Retiree David Frame credits Byrd for the project that saved the town of Sophia from constant flooding.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated 6/28/2010 11:42am

Washington (AP) -- President Barack Obama says the country has lost a voice of principle and reason with the passing of sen. Robert C. Byrd.

In a statement, Obama says byrd had a profound passion for the senate, and held the deepest respect for members of both parties.

Obama says that as a young senator, he appreciated Byrd's generosity with his time and advice.

He said that Byrd, in his words, was "as much a part of the senate as the marble busts that line its chambers and corridors."

Speaking earlier in the day at an event in Louisville, Ky., Vice President Joe Biden remembered Byrd as a tough, compassionate leader and said the senate "is a lesser place for his going."

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated 6/28/2010 11:29am

Louisville, KY. (AP) -- Vice President Joe Biden remembered his longtime colleague Sen. Robert Byrd as a tough, compassionate leader who was dedicated to making life better for the people of West Virginia.

Speaking at an event in Louisville, Biden said Byrd was the dean of the Senate, and said the body will be a lesser place following his death early Monday.

Byrd, the longest serving member of the senate, died at the age of 92.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Updated 6/28/2010 09:58am

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- Gov. Joe Manchin says he will not appoint himself to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy created by the death of West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd.

Manchin told the Associated Press there is no timetable for him to consider a replacement for Congress' longest-serving member.

Manchin says his decision will be an important one because of the effects climate change and mining debates in Congress and at the federal level will have on the state.

The governor says his first priority is to honor Byrd's family's wishes regarding a memorial for the 92-year-old democrat.

Byrd died early Monday at a Virginia hospital.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

__________________________________________________________

Updated 6/28/2010 09:56am

Washington (AP) -- Tributes are pouring in for Sen. Robert C. Byrd -- the longest serving member of the senate. He died today at the age of 92.

Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky expressed "deep sadness," remembering Byrd for "his fighter's spirit" and "abiding faith."

Florida republican sen. George Lemieux remembered Byrd as a protector of "the rules and traditions of the senate."

Senate majority leader Harry Reid of Nevada called Byrd "one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen."

He says Byrd never stopped fighting "for the people of West Virginia and for democratic principles."

Former President Jimmy Carter said Byrd was his closest and most valuable adviser while he was President.

Sen. John Cornyn, a republican from Texas, called Byrd "the keeper of the flame here in the Senate."

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

__________________________________________________________

Washington (AP) -- Robert C. Byrd -- the longest serving member of the U.S. Senate -- has died. He was 92.

Byrd was a fiery orator and hard-charging power broker who steered billions of federal dollars to his beloved West Virginia.

A spokesman for the family says Byrd died peacefully about 3 a.m. today at Inova Hospital in Fairfax, VA.

He had been in the hospital since late last week.

At first Byrd was believed to be suffering from heat exhaustion and severe dehydration, but other medical conditions developed.

He had been in frail health for several years.

Flags at the Capitol and the White House are flying at half-staff as Washington mourns Byrd's passing.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a fellow West Virginian in the senate, said it was his "greatest privilege" to serve with Byrd.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

__________________________________________________________

UPDATE: 6/28/10 8:48AM

Washington (AP) -- Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, the longest-serving Senator in U.S. History, has died at age 92.

Spokesman Jesse Jacobs says Byrd died peacefully at about 3 a.m. Monday at Inova Hospital in Fairfax, VA.

Byrd was elected to the senate in 1958, after spending six years in the house. He was the Senate majority leader for six years during the late 1970s and 1980s and was third in the line of succession for the Presidency.

As either chairman or the senior democrat on the appropriations committee for 20 years, he steered billions of dollars in federal spending to West Virginia.

Byrd became more frail after the death of his wife, Erma, in 2006.

Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell expressed "deep sadness," remembering Byrd for "his fighter's spirit" and "abiding faith."

Florida Republican Sen. George Lemieux remembered Byrd as a protector of "the rules and traditions of the senate."

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

__________________________________________________________

UPDATE: 6/28/10 6:27AM

Washington (AP) -- Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, the longest-serving Senator in U.S. history, has died at age 92.

Spokesman Jesse Jacobs says Byrd died peacefully at about 3 A.M. Monday at Inova hospital in Fairfax, VA.

Byrd was elected to the Senate in 1958, after spending six years in the House.

He was the Senate Majority Leader for six years during the late 1970s and 1980s and was third in the line of succession for the Presidency.

As either chairman or the senior democrat on the appropriations committee for 20 years, he steered billions of dollars in federal spending to West Virginia.

Byrd became more frail after the death of his wife, Erma, in 2006.

By 2009, aides were wheeling him to and from the Senate floor in a wheelchair.

__________________________________________________________

Washington (AP) -- Sen. Robert C. Byrd, who holds the record as the longest-serving member of Congress, is seriously ill in a Washington-area hospital.

The West Virginia Democrat's Office says the 92-year-old lawmaker has been in the hospital since late last week.

At first he was believed to be suffering from heat exhaustion and severe dehydration. But his office says in a statement doctors have examined Byrd and other medical conditions have developed. His condition is described as serious.

In November, Byrd broke the record for Congressional service that had been set by Democrat Carl Hayden of Arizona, who served in the House and Senate from 1912 to 1969.

Byrd began his career in Washington in 1952 with his election to the House. His elevation to the Senate came six years later.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin said in a statement, "Both Gayle and I are thinking about and praying for Sen. Byrd and his family.

"We are truly hopeful that he gets well soon because West Virginians need his leadership in Washington. Sen. Byrd is a true champion for our state."

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U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller released the following statement:

"Sharon and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator Byrd - and I know the entire state does as well. He has been ill before, but he's a fighter. Senator Byrd continues to be a powerful force and does so much for the state, and I am hopeful that he will get well - very soon."

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Sharon Rockefeller's Statement On The Loss Of Senator Robert C. Byrd

“Senator Byrd was larger than life,” said Sharon Rockefeller. “I will always remember him fondly as a warm, gentle man, whose passion for West Virginia touched and inspired us all. I have always admired Senator Byrd’s great character and unfailing faith, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his daughters, his family, and all of his friends and neighbors in West Virginia.”

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West Virginia Secretary of State's Statement Regarding The Passing Of Senator Robert C. Byrd

“I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family of Senator Robert C. Byrd’s family.

“It is difficult to put into words Senator Byrd’s contributions to the State of West Virginia and to the United States. It saddens me to think of a West Virginia without Robert Byrd. But that is what we face today.

“We as West Virginians owe him a great deal. He represented us with dignity and class. The fact that he is the longest serving Senator in the history of our great nation shows that the people of this state loved him and respected him, and always appreciated what he was able to accomplish in Washington. He always kept the concerns of West Virginians close to his heart. Without his leadership and the way he fought for us, it is hard to imagine where we would be as a state.

“But it is not just West Virginians who have lost a great leader. The people of The United States of America have lost a man who served as both Senate Majority Leader and Minority Leader, and also as President Pro Tempore of the Senate. He served as Senator longer than President Obama has been alive. He sat on powerful committees. He made extremely difficult decisions every day.

“We will never replace Senator Byrd. He truly was a great West Virginian, and the people of our state have lost a trusted and powerful friend in Washington.”

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Capito Statement on the Passing of Iconic Senator Robert Byrd

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., today released the following statement regarding the death of West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd:

“The United States Senate has lost an icon, and the people of West Virginia a beloved son who was woven into the very fabric of our state.

“Senator Byrd’s mastery of the Senate will be remembered for the ages, but those who knew him best realize his legacy will be one of love for the West Virginians he served for nearly 57 years. Whether he is remembered as the young man who played the fiddle or the elder statesman that carried a copy of the Constitution in the pocket next to his heart, Robert Byrd touched the lives of countless West Virginians. His service to West Virginia and dedication to our nation’s democracy set an example to which generations can aspire.

“We pray for his family and take comfort in knowing he has gone home for the last time to join his beloved Erma in the presence of God.”

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Statement from WVU President James P. Clements on the passing of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd

West Virginia has lost a great friend and champion in Sen. Robert C. Byrd. He embodied what we hold so dear in the Mountain State: loyalty, commitment, hard work, honesty and faith. I respect so much all that he has done for West Virginia, West Virginia University and the entire nation. You don't need to look far to see his lasting legacy - in energy research, transportation improvements, health care, education, homeland security, and more. We will miss his remarkable leadership - but long remember the principles by which he lived. His family, staff and colleagues are in our prayers.

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West Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice statement on Senator Byrd’s death

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “Senator Byrd was the very embodiment of West Virginia’s independent spirit in our nation’s Capitol. His dedication to his state, our nation, and the Constitution was exceeded only by his love for his wife, Erma. His loss will be profoundly felt throughout West Virginia, as it is by me. I will miss him,” Chief Justice Robin Jean Davis said today.

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Statement from the Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, on the death of Senator Robert C. Byrd.

“Today our nation marks the passing of a great statesman and public servant, Senator Robert C. Byrd. While we will prayerfully reflect on his decades of scholarship, hard work, and dedication to the people of West Virginia, we must also celebrate the future that Senator Byrd helped shape.

“Senator Byrd led the transformation of West Virginia’s highways, and technology, health care, education and criminal justice systems, which will advance the quality of life in our beloved state for generations to come.

“The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston offers its most sincere condolences to the Byrd family, and we pray during this difficult time that family and loved ones will remember that Senator Byrd is now at peace with the Risen Lord and, with his late wife Erma Ora Byrd, is experiencing Perfect Joy.”

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Massey Energy Statement on Passing of Senator Robert C. Byrd

JULIAN, WV, June 23, 2010 – Massey Energy Company today released the following statement regarding the passing of West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd:

“The members of Massey Energy along with other West Virginians send our condolences and sympathies to the family, friends, staff and constituents of Senator Robert Byrd. He will be remembered as a tenured and dedicated public servant.”

Massey Energy Company, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, with operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, is the largest coal producer in Central Appalachia and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

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Statement from the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Regarding U.S. Senator Robert Byrd

CHARLESTON, W.VA. – Steve Roberts, President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement regarding the passing of U.S. Senator Robert Byrd.

“On behalf of the entire West Virginia Chamber of Commerce membership, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathies to Senator Byrd’s daughters, family, and his many friends across the State of West Virginia.”

“Senator Byrd was a tireless advocate and a champion for the people of West Virginia. The lives of West Virginians have been made better by Senator Byrd’s service for generations. His legacy will live on through the many people who have benefitted from his leadership in our state and country.”

- Steve Roberts, President, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce

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Sen. Voinovich Statement On Passing Of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-Ohio) today released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.):

“We have lost an irreplaceable colleague, the U.S. Senate has lost a legend, and the people of West Virginia have lost a tireless advocate. Senator Byrd was the conscience of the Senate and had an unparalleled respect for the institution, its rules and proper decorum. I am humbled that he referred to me as his good friend from Ohio, recognizing that Appalachian Ohio mirrored West Virginia in many ways. We had much in common, from coal to the Appalachian Regional Commission. He never forgot the people of West Virginia, and as a child of the Appalachian coalfields was Appalachian Ohio’s best friend in the Senate.

“I had the honor of being his Ranking Member on the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, but regret that I did not have the opportunity to work more closely with him because of his health. Senator Byrd epitomized the Golden Rule: love thy neighbor as thyself, and he reflected it during his entire career in the Senate. Janet and I send our heartfelt prayers to his family and constituents as he joins his wife Erma at the gates of Heaven.”

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West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Benjamin statement on death of Senator Byrd

Charleston, W.Va. – “A man of dignity and compassion, Senator Robert C. Byrd was beloved by his state. He cherished West Virginia. Senator Byrd understood and appreciated the primary goodness of people from all walks of life and their contribution to the strength of this country. Senator Byrd was not only a champion of the Constitution, but was also one of its most visible and capable guardians. He understood
that the Constitution continues to serve as the backbone of America. As a member of the Judiciary, I deeply appreciated his stance in this matter. Though Senator Byrd has now taken his rightful place in the history of this nation, his many contributions will continue on in the daily lives of the people whom he served. My prayers are with his family. We
will miss our senator.”

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West Virginia National Guard Statement On The Passing Of Sen. Robert C. Byrd.

CHARLESTON W.Va. -- Members of the West Virginia National Guard are deeply saddened at the passing of Senator Robert C. Byrd. Senator Byrd was one of the greatest statesmen our Nation and State have ever known. He was a true friend and tireless advocate for our brave men and women in uniform.

Throughout his public service the Senator has helped to build the West Virginia National Guard into one of the premier military organizations in our Nation. He was the driving force behind making the entire National Guard an operational reserve true to the historic roots as the Nation’s militia as delineated by his beloved U. S. Constitution.

Due to his vision, the entire National Guard and especially the West Virginia National Guard are fully capable of handling the future threats our Nation faces. Senator Byrd’s wisdom and vision are unsurpassed in our Nation’s history. His leadership and vision for our State and Nation will be deeply missed.

He cared deeply for and worked tirelessly for each citizen of our State and Nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and we join the Nation in mourning the loss of one of America’s greatest statesmen.

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Congressman Alan Mollohan’s Statement on Passing of Sen. Robert C. Byrd

“My wife, Barbara, and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Robert C. Byrd, our friend, my mentor, and West Virginia’s great, great senator.

“Today marks the end of an era. There are few who remember a West Virginia without Robert C. Byrd, and there are none who expect to see his like again.

“It was my tremendous good fortune to know Senator Byrd all of my life and to work closely with him during my 28 years in Congress. But all of us were witness to his greatness, and all of us will feel his loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – today and always.”

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Sen. Brown Statement On Sen. Byrd

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) issued the following statement following the death of Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-WV):

“Sen. Robert Byrd has served our country as a member of the U.S. Congress for nearly sixty years. His knowledge of the Senate’s history and his attention to the institution’s rules and procedures is unrivalled. He’s reminded all of us of the Senate’s roles and responsibilities as defined by the Constitution and the importance of the body to the checks and balances our Founders designed.

“Sen. Byrd overcame great hardship as a child, graduated high school as valedictorian at the age of 16, and worked a number of jobs before being elected to public office. Even though he rose to so many influential positions in Congress, he never forgot about working people. West Virginia has lost a tireless advocate – a Senator who fought for his constituents each day.”

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Statement of the President on the Passing of Senator Byrd

I was saddened to hear this morning that the people of West Virginia have lost a true champion, the United States Senate has lost a venerable institution, and America has lost a voice of principle and reason with the passing of Robert C. Byrd.

Senator Byrd’s story was uniquely American. He was born into wrenching poverty, but educated himself to become an authoritative scholar, respected leader, and unparalleled champion of our Constitution. He scaled the summit of power, but his mind never strayed from the people of his beloved West Virginia. He had the courage to stand firm in his principles, but also the courage to change over time.

He was as much a part of the Senate as the marble busts that line its chamber and its corridors. His profound passion for that body and its role and responsibilities was as evident behind closed doors as it was in the stemwinders he peppered with history. He held the deepest respect of members of both parties, and he was generous with his time and advice, something I appreciated greatly as a young senator.

We take solace in the fact that he is reunited with his wife of nearly 69 years, Erma; and our thoughts and prayers are with their daughters, their grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all the people of West Virginia who loved Robert C. Byrd.

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Statement from Senator Mike Oliverio

“Senator Byrd was the soul of the United States Senate and the voice for West Virginia. He is the only West Virginian who has served in the House of Delegates, State Senate, United States Congress and United States Senate. And he served with distinction.

Senator Byrd served as the Majority Leader in the United States Senate, its President Pro Tem, and the chairman of the Appropriations Committee. I hope we never forget who truly remarkable those accomplishments are.

Senator Byrd has inspired me, as he has inspired thousands of others. His selflessness is no doubt what our founding fathers had in mind with the idea of civilian servants.

Our prayers are with his family. Our memories are flooded with gratitude. And our hope is that we will continue to build upon the foundation he established.”

Last year, Mike Oliverio created a Website honoring Senator Byrd. The Website went online on the senator’s birthday. At the time, the Senator was in the hospital, and many used the site to convey messages of good will and well wishes. Now, many have been sending messages of condolences to the Senator’s family via the website. These messages will be passed along to the Byrd Family in this time of grieving.

The website address is: www.thankyousenatorbyrd.com