What the “candidates” are saying

Here are the statements on Osama bin Laden’s death from three four potential GOP presidential candidates. 

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum’s camp was first, releasing a statement at 10:45 Sunday night:

Santorum Statement on Death of Osama bin Laden

Verona, PA – Former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) issued the following statement regarding the announcement that 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden has been killed:
 
“This is extraordinary news for all freedom loving people of the world, and I commend all those involved for this historic triumph.  Americans have waited nearly ten years for the news of Osama bin Laden’s death.  And while this is a very significant objective that cannot be minimized, the threat from Jihadism does not die with bin Laden. As we were vigilant in taking him out we need to demonstrate we will continue to be vigilant until the enemy has been subdued.”

Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty’s camp was next, releasing a statement at 10:59 p.m. Sunday:

Governor Pawlenty on Death of Osama bin Laden

“This is terrific news for freedom and justice. In the hours after the 9/11 attacks, President Bush promised that America would bring Osama bin Laden to justice — and we did. I want to congratulate America’s armed forces and President Obama for a job well done. Let history show that the perseverance of the US military and the American people never wavered. America will never shrink from the fight and ultimately those who seek to harm us face only defeat. Today, justice is done, but the fight against radical Islamic terrorism is not yet over.”

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich staff was next, with a statement issued early this afternoon:

Statement by Newt Gingrich on the Death of Osama bin Laden

The killing of Osama bin Laden is a significant victory in the long struggle between radical Islamists and modern civilization.

This victory is a tribute to the patient endurance of American justice.  I commend both President George W. Bush who led the campaign against our enemies through seven long years and President Obama who continued and intensified the campaign in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

We should remember to thank those who made this possible.  Without the courage and professionalism of our men and women in uniform and in the intelligence services, this victory would not have been achieved.

This victory is only a milestone in a long war.  We must also recognize the long struggle ahead.  Radical Islamism did not start with bin Laden and it will not end with his death.  This is the 32nd year since the Iranian dictatorship seized our diplomats illegally and held them hostage for 444 days.  It has been 28 years since Iranian-supported terrorists killed 241 servicemen in Beirut in 1983.

As long as there are schools teaching children to hate; as long as there are state-supported terrorist systems; as long as several countries actively recruit children to be suicide bombers; this war will continue.

The world is a better place without Osama bin Laden, but his just demise cannot erase the loss and suffering of the families and friends of those who died on September 11 or died fighting in the war since September 11.  So while we are celebrating this victory, we should take time to remember all who suffered and sacrificed and pray for them.

Former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain issued a statement on Monday at 3:08 p.m.

HERMAN CAIN STATEMENT ON OSAMA BIN LADEN ASSASSINATION
(Stockbridge, GA)- Following the announcement of the successful assassination of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, potential Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain said:

As Americans, we mark this occasion with a somber sense of satisfaction for the families, friends and loved ones who still suffer the pain of irreplaceable loss of life. Justice has been served.

We all owe a deep and abiding gratitude to the men and women in uniform and throughout our intelligence agencies for placing themselves in harm’s way to protect our way of life, while defending the honor and memory of their fellow citizens.

Although eradicating terrorism and those that would carry out its cowardly and despicable ends is far from over, we pause at this time to reflect on the events of September 11, 2001 and pray that those lost on that day know they are far from forgotten by their country.

For them and for America’s future, we remain ever vigilant.