Statement By Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith Regarding The Funeral Of Journalist Timothy Russert

ALBANY, NY – June 18, 2008 – "Tim Russert was the everyman that everyone wanted to know and be around. In death we mourn his loss but we honor his life and celebrate him as a proud parent, son, Buffalo native, a man of faith as well as a fair journalist and loyal Democrat. Tim worked in the NYS Assembly, in the US Senate and the NYS Executive Chamber before deciding to move to network television where he mentored so many young journalists at NBC News. Like most other Americans, I knew Tim Russert as the host of "Meet the Press" and enjoyed watching how even-handed he would be and the high-standard he achieved for that program. He has left a legacy we should all try to attain. Rest in Peace."