Reid pays tribute to Ted Kennedy

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., called a press conference on short notice at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The subject was the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.

Reid made several observations during a seven-minute event.

On Kennedy's legacy, "It is now left to us to remember the man who helped us remember so many others. ... Ted Kennedy's America was one in which we could all pursue justice, enjoy equality and know freedom. ... This man of wealth fought for those less privileged."

On Kennedy's legislative style: "He was really a strong liberal, a progressive. But all his legislation does not have the mark of a liberal on it. ... He was willing to make deals to get things done for the American people."

On the relationship between the Kennedy family, including Ted Kennedy's brother President John Kennedy to Nevada, "The Kennedys loved Nevada; there were a lot of stories about his brother coming here during his heyday. ... Yucca Mountain is dead. One of the reasons is because of people who followed Ted Kennedy's lead. ... He never batted an eye when the big utility companies were pushing him to vote against me."