Obama: Kemp influenced the direction of not only his party, but the country

OK, I promise this is the last post on lawmaker reactions to the passing of Jack Kemp. But here is a statement from President Obama put out from the White House moments ago:

“Jack Kemp’s commitment to public service and his passion for politics influenced not only the direction of his party, but his country. From his tenure as a Buffalo congressman to his ascent in national politics, Jack Kemp was a man who could fiercely advocate his own beliefs and principles while also remembering the lessons he learned years earlier on the football field: that bitter divisiveness between race and class and station only stood in the way of the ‘common aim of a team to win.’ Michelle and I extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Kemp family.”

jeremy.jacobs@digital-stage.thehill.com