Tim Russert

Following the news that longtime "Meet The Press" host Tim Russert died Friday, U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Denver) released a statement:

"I am shocked and saddened by Tim Russert's sudden death today. I have had the pleasure of being on his show and answering his tough questions. He had a pure passion for politics and brought an important perspective to politics in America. His voice on Sunday mornings and on election nights, and all his contributions to American politics and journalism, will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his colleagues."

Initial news reports said Russert died of a heart attack, but an NBC spokesperson later said the cause of death was still being investigated.

The New York Times has set up a regularly updated blog on Russert's death.