John Dodd, president of the Jesse Helms Center

"Former United States Senator Jesse Helms died at 1:15 a.m. (Friday) morning in Raleigh. Further details on funeral arrangements will be forthcoming."

Gov. Mike Easley

"Whether you liked his politics or not, Jesse Helms was a national force able to deliver for his constituents. We last appeared together when the Navy named a submarine after North Carolina at his request. He certainly didn’t shy away from controversy ... (read more)

North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Linda Daves

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Helms, but joyful that we can begin the celebration of such a great patriot on the Fourth of July. Jesse Helms was larger than life and it is entirely fitting that he would join Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and ... (read more)

U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington)

"Senator Helms dedicated his life to serving the people of North Carolina. Whether people agreed or disagreed with him, Senator Helms would always let his constituents know where he stood on the important issues of the day ... (read more)

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the loss of U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, a true statesman. As Mayor, Senator Helms provided impeccable constituent services and was always friendly and accessible. He kept his word whenever he made a commitment and ... (read more)

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole

“Bob and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our longtime friend Senator Jesse Helms. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his precious wife Dot and their family. In succeeding Jesse to represent North Carolina in the United States Senate, I knew ... (read more)

N.C. Congressman Patrick McHenry (District 10)

"This morning, America lost a great conservative leader and North Carolina lost the greatest political leader it has ever known. The compassion and principle of Jesse Helms earned him respect and admiration across the political spectrum and ... (read more)

U.S. Senator Richard Burr

"Brooke and I are extremely saddened to hear the news of the passing of Jesse Helms. Jesse was a mentor and good friend and his contributions to North Carolina and to the nation were countless. We will miss him tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers ... (read more)

Evangelist Franklin Graham

"Jesse Helms was a great American. He was a friend, not only to Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, but a personal friend to me. As a life-long resident of North Carolina, I was proud to call him my senator for 30 years ... (read more)

Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison

"He was a very caring man, a very compassionate man. A lot of people saw him as crusty, and he was, in his own way. But I really got to know him traveling with him, and my impression changed of him. He was just a fine gentleman and was always a gentleman ... (read more)

Former Secretary of State Rufus Edmisten

"This man, consistently on Capitol Hill, showed what a true Southern gentleman is. Now, he got up on the floor of the Senate, and when he was passionate about something, he let the words flow. But always, in his personal dealings with staff, he was ... (read more)

Rev. William Barber, president of the N.C. chapter of the NAACP

"We in the Civil Rights community had deep and stark differences with Senator Jesse Helms' public policy positions...(read more)

Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-8)

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Helms. He loved his country and he loved his home state of North Carolina. He set the standard for constituent service – with no problem being too small or too big for him to tackle. Senator Helms will be remembered for ... (read more)

President George W. Bush

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our good friend and a great American: Senator Jesse Helms. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Dot, and all the members of the Helms family...(read more)

Evangelist Billy Graham

“Jesse Helms, my friend and long-time senator from my home state of North Carolina, was a man of consistent conviction to conservative ideals and courage to faithfully serve God and country based on principle, not popularity or politics.  (read more)