Independent Democratic Conference Leader and Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) said:
"Ed Koch was a rare breed of politician. I learned that first-hand while interning on his second reelection campaign. It was my first foray into politics, and it was an experience that I will never forget.
"Mayor Koch was a brash, honest, and unyielding reformer. But what set Ed Koch apart was that he always took the time to articulate his argument in thoughtful and compelling terms. During his years in and out of elected office, New York was the better for it.
"As many of us valued, there was never any hiding the ball with Ed Koch. Whether we were discussing policy or politics, I always knew exactly where he stood. That's something that many in public life have tried to emulate, but few have had the courage to replicate. " I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. We will all miss him."
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