MARIETTA - Wednesday's news of the death of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, 77, of Massachusetts, a leading Democrat for nearly five decades on a range of national issues, was met with sadness by his two Senate colleagues from Georgia.

Both Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-east Cobb) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Moultrie) were traveling on Wednesday and released statements on Kennedy's death through their staffs.

"I extend my deepest condolences to Sen. Kennedy's wife, Vicki, and all of his family," said Isakson, who was traveling in south Georgia. "The Kennedy family is an historic name in American politics and the passing of Ted Kennedy marks the passing of an era. I join the rest of the country in mourning the loss of Sen. Kennedy."

Chambliss, who was at Fort Gordon near Augusta on Wednesday, said, "Sen. Kennedy was a formidable legislative foe and a respected working partner. He was also my friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Victoria, and to the rest of his family."

Isakson served in the Senate with Kennedy beginning in 2005. Chambliss was a colleague of the Massachusetts senator since 2002.