(Photo: Getty)

President Barack Obama joined other the United States officials lamenting the passing of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher this morning. In particular, Mr. Obama touted both Ms. Thatcher's humble upbringing and her status as one of the world's "great champions of freedom and liberty."

"With the passing of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, the world has lost one of the great champions of freedom and liberty, and America has lost a true friend," Mr. Obama said in a statement. "As a grocer’s daughter who rose to become Britain’s first female prime minister, she stands as an example to our daughters that there is no glass ceiling that can’t be shattered. As prime minister, she helped restore the confidence and pride that has always been the hallmark of Britain at its best."

Mr. Obama also praised her alliance with former President Ronald Reagan during the contentious Cold War period of American history, adding that Americans can learn from her legacy "as we carry on the work to which she dedicated her life—free peoples standing together, determined to write our own destiny."

"And as an unapologetic supporter of our transatlantic alliance, she knew that with strength and resolve we could win the Cold War and extend freedom’s promise," the president said. “Here in America, many of us will never forget her standing shoulder to shoulder with President Reagan, reminding the world that we are not simply carried along by the currents of history—we can shape them with moral conviction, unyielding courage and iron will."

(Photo: Wikimedia)

Politicos on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean are mourning former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who suffered a stroke and passed away earlier today. Indeed, at least two mayoral candidates have commented on the conservative icon's passing so far, including GOP mayoral hopeful Joe Lhota.

"Margaret Thatcher was a 20th century visionary who understood the power of individual freedom versus the tyranny of government collectivism," Mr. Lhota, who has described himself as a libertarian in the past, said in a statement.

Mr. Lhota also thanked Ms. Thatcher, whose administration was aligned with former President Ronald Reagan's, for being a staunch geopolitical ally.

"She was a loyal supporter and friend of the United States and her terms as prime minister were marked as the beginning of the resurgence of the economy of the United Kingdom," he continued. "She will be missed. My prayers go out to her family and to our brothers and sisters in the United Kingdom."

Former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión, an independent Gracie Mansion contender who's also trying to run on the Republican line, communicated his thoughts on Ms. Thatcher's legacy on Twitter.

"A powerful force for freedom and democracy in our world has left us but her legacy will live on," he wrote.

Update (11:16 a.m.): Mr. Carrion's campaign provided a further statement on Ms. Thatcher:

“Margaret Thatcher was a powerful force for freedom and democracy. Throughout her historic career, she had the strength to be bold and innovative when approaching challenges both foreign and domestic. She exhibited the courage to make tough decisions during challenging times for Great Britain and the world. Even though she has left us, her legacy will be felt by millions for generations to come.”

Additional reporting by Ross Barkan.

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The funeral for former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez will be held tomorrow and a New Yorker will be representing the United States at the event--Queens Congressman Gregory Meeks.

“I am honored to be a part of a delegation that will represent the United States at the Funeral of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Friday, March 8," Mr. Meeks, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement. “My deepest sympathies go out to the family of President Chavez and the people of Venezuela. Venezuela is an important nation to the Western Hemisphere. I remain committed to building the relationship between our nations. As always, I stand in continued support of the Venezuelan people especially at this time of mourning."

This won't be Mr. Meeks' first trip to Venezuela and one of his past visits to the country was rather controversial. 

Several years ago, Mr. Meeks reportedly had a string of meetings with Mr. Chávez. Allegedly, during these meetings, Mr. Meeks requested Mr. Chávez launch a criminal probe against a man who was an enemy of one of his donors. In response to this incident and others, the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington labeled him "corrupt."

In addition to Mr. Meeks, the U.S. delegation to Mr. Chavez's funeral will also contain former Massachusetts Congressman Bill Delahunt, and U.S. Embassy Caracas Chargé d'Affaires James Derham.

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Earlier today, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez died after an extended bout with cancer. Needless to say, Mr. Chávez, a prominent opponent of United States foreign policy whose critics accused him of dictator-style thuggery at home, will not be fondly remembered in many corners of American politics.

But in the Bronx, at least, Mr. Chávez has a booster in the form of veteran Congressman José Serrano, who responded to the news by praising the Venezuelan leader's anti-poverty efforts.

"Hugo Chavez was a leader that understood the needs of the poor," Mr. Serrano tweeted. He was committed to empowering the powerless. R.I.P. Mr. President."

Not all New York City politicians were as kind as Mr. Serrano, however. The inimitable Councilman Peter Vallone notably took to Twitter and blasted both Mr. Chávez and Joseph Kennedy II's relationship with his government.

"Chavez is dead," wrote Mr. Vallone. "joe kennedy on way to Syria to suck up to another brutal dictator to keep him in TV commercials."

Update (6:31 p.m.): Mr. Serrano released a full statement detailing his relationship with Mr. Chávez and why he supported the controversial leader:

“I met President Chavez in 2005 when he came to my district at my invitation,” said Congressman Serrano. “His focus on the issues faced by the poor and disenfranchised in his country made him a truly revolutionary leader in the history of Latin America. He understood that after 400 years on the outside of the established power structure looking in, it was time that the poor had a chance at seeing their problems and issues addressed. His core belief was in the dignity and common humanity of all people in Venezuela and in the world.

“When he visited, President Chavez offered a new type of program to the people of the Bronx. He had harnessed the power of his nation’s oil resources and was using their profits—through Citgo—to enact social spending programs. Now he offered people in the Bronx that were struggling economically the same deal. He would provide home heating oil at a huge discount, provided the savings were reinvested in programs that benefited the underserved and underprivileged. I am proud to report that we have benefited from that program ever since, with millions invested in our community through this program and through a grant program he set up.

“Though President Chavez was accused of many things, it is important to remember that he was democratically-elected many times in elections that were declared free and fair by international monitors. Even today, people in North America seem unable to accept that Venezuelans had taken our admonitions to have democracy to heart and elected the leader of their choice. President Chavez carried out the programs that his constituents wanted enacted, and won reelection. This too was revolutionary in the history of Latin America, where coup d’etat have been historically a way of power changing hands—especially during the times of controversial leaders.

“President Chavez was a controversial leader. But at his core he was a man who came from very little and used his unique talents and gifts to try to lift up the people and the communities that reflected his impoverished roots. He believed that the government of the country should be used to empower the masses, not the few. He understood democracy and basic human desires for a dignified life. His legacy in his nation, and in the hemisphere, will be assured as the people he inspired continue to strive for a better life for the poor and downtrodden.”

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In 1981, when Ed Koch was mayor, President Barack Obama moved to New York City to study at Columbia University. Today, Mr. Obama joined New Yorkers in mourning Mr. Koch's death.

"Ed Koch was an extraordinary Mayor, irrepressible character, and quintessential New Yorker," Mr. Obama said in a statement. "He took office at a time when New York was in fiscal crisis, and helped his city achieve economic renewal, expand affordable housing, and extend opportunity to more of its people."

Mr. Koch's and Mr. Obama's relationship warmed and cooled in recent years. Mr. Koch endorsed Mr. Obama in the 2008 presidential election but began to sharply criticize his administration's treatment of Israel, especially when the president called for the country's pre-1967 borders to be the starting point for a Palestinian peace deal. Mr. Koch's frustration notably culminated in 2011, when he openly considered a cross-party endorsement in the special election to replace outgoing Rep. Anthony Weiner.

"I saw him appear on New York 1 where he suggested he might support the Republican candidate in a special election--that would be me--as a protest against President Obama's Israeli policy," former Congressman Bob Turner told Politicker this afternoon. "So I called him."

The two scheduled a meeting at Mr. Koch's Manhattan office where they clicked on key elements of foreign and domestic policy. Mr. Koch determined that a high-profile election in a heavily Jewish congressional district was exactly the right route to influencing Mr. Obama.

"I think he was a little cagey but he was really charming," Mr. Turner recalled. "He told me he had supported Republicans in the past but it's not something he's crazy about. He made his points clear. ... He came out to political events, he was quite helpful. I think he was the determining factor in that special election. ... Wherever he went he was very well-received. He had a higher popularity rating than the New York Yankees! He was in the high 70's of approval."

Mr. Turner would go on to win that election in an upset, and after Mr. Obama subsequently gave a staunchly pro-Israel speech at the United Nations, Mr. Koch considered his "message" to Mr. Obama on Israel very much sent. Mr. Koch endorsed the president's reelection campaign just a few weeks after Mr. Turner's victory.

"I believe the recent vote in the 9th Congressional District in New York affected in a positive way the policy of the U.S. on the Mideast," the former mayor explained at the time

For his part, Mr. Obama referenced Mr. Koch's advocacy for Israel in his statement today.

"In public office and beyond, his energy, force of personality, and commitment to causes ranging from civic issues to the security of the state of Israel always informed and enlivened the public discourse," the president said. "Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Ed’s loved ones, and to the city that survives him."

(Photo: Getty)

Former Mayor Ed Koch and Governor Andrew Cuomo have a long and colorful history, stretching all the way back to Mr. Koch's initial mayoral election against Mario Cuomo, the current governor's father, in a hotly-contested, occasionally bitter 1977 race that Mr. Koch ultimately won. Although Mr. Koch continued to tweak the younger Cuomo for years after--calling him a "schmuck" in his latest documentary, for example--the two became political allies on a number of issues during Mr. Cuomo's political career and governorship. Earlier today, Mr. Cuomo described his final words with the late Mr. Koch and the inspiration he received from them.

"I talked to the mayor two days ago. He's in the hospital. .... I said to him, 'Mister Mayor, how are you feeling?' [He replied,] 'Stronger every day. Stronger every day.'" Mr. Cuomo recalled in a radio interview with New York Post columnist Fred Dicker. "To me, that's the essence of Ed Koch. Stronger every day. Tomorrow's going to be better. Optimism. Look forward. Don't look back. You think the situation is bleak? Nah, we're going to conquer. We're going to win. We're going to be better. Stronger every day. Now, he had to know where he was, right? 'Stronger every day.' How beautiful is that?"

Despite his serious health condition, Mr. Cuomo said Mr. Koch was more interested in the policy details of New York State's recently-enacted gun control bill and ending Washington gridlock so something similar can be done federally.

"He--you're not going to like to hear this--but he was all excited about the gun bill," Mr. Cuomo explained, teasing Mr. Dicker over his constant criticism of the legislation. "New York did it and he was talking about Washington and the confusion and the controversy in Washington about it. New York had made progress again. He was supportive of me in my race and he was very excited about that."

Mr. Cuomo also reflected on that 1977 race that pitted him so sharply against Mr. Koch, describing the political talents of his father and Mr. Koch as "just beautiful to watch."

"I really first encountered Ed Koch in the 1977 mayoral," Mr. Cuomo remembered. "I was a kid, I was about 19 years old. At that time you had Ed Koch and Mario Cuomo, and they were like the Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier of our time. They were both extraordinary talents, different styles, different personalities, different people, but  really they were just beautiful to watch. They were both a high point of the profession. ... Ed Koch was more gregarious, more outgoing and he [was] delighted in being a character. He was great for New York City. He was a New York City, ethnic, bigger-than life character. ... He was extraordinary and he did it for a long, long time."

The governor, who's known for his forceful management style, labeled Mr. Koch as a "case study" for him as he eventually pursued his own career in elected office.

"Ed Koch won the 1977 mayoral obviously. And he was a very instructive case study to me. He loved government, was aggressive about what government could do," Mr. Cuomo said. "He was very activist in making the government operate. We talk about performance, he was about performance. He was about integrity, attracting the best and the brightest. He made government fun and cool again. People loved to be in the city government with him and there was an energy and a buzz about being in city government and you were fighting the good fight. He used the government very well."

(Photo: Emily Anne Epstein)

At 2 a.m. this morning, former Mayor Ed Koch passed away due to congestive heart failure. He was 88, outspoken, and if you listen to some of New York City's leading political figures, "an irrepressible icon," "larger than life" and "part of the fabric of New York."

“I’m expressing my condolences on behalf of all 8.4 million New Yorkers, and I know so many of them will be keeping Mayor Koch and his family and friends in their thoughts prayers," Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced in a statement. "As we mourn Mayor Koch’s passing, the flags at all City buildings will be flying at half-staff in his memory.”

Mr. Bloomberg further reflected on the meaning of Mr. Koch's passing and the footprint on the city the former mayor leaves behind.

“New York City lost an irrepressible icon, our most charismatic cheerleader and champion," he said. "He was a great mayor, a great man, and a great friend. In elected office and as a private citizen, he was our most tireless, fearless, and guileless civic crusader. Through his tough, determined leadership and responsible fiscal stewardship, Ed helped lift the city out of its darkest days and set it on course for an incredible comeback. We will miss him dearly, but his good works – and his wit and wisdom – will forever be a part of the city he loved so much."

It's not just Mr. Bloomberg who has warm thoughts on Mr. Koch and his contributions to New York City, of course. So throughout the morning, as we receive statements from those hoping to fill Mr. Bloomberg's shoes, this post will continue to be updated.

For her part, the woman Mr. Koch had endorsed to be the next occupant of Gracie Mansion, Council Speaker Christine Quinn, was particularly effusive about Mr. Koch's legacy, saying it "stood taller than the bridge that bears his name":

"All of New York City is in mourning today as we say goodbye to a great mayor, a great man, and a great friend.

Ed Koch dedicated his life to the five boroughs. He loved this city fiercely and it loved him back. He saved us from the brink of bankruptcy, raised our spirits, and restored our city’s reputation in the world. He rebuilt our crumbling infrastructure, adding more than 150,000 units of affordable housing. And after leaving office he continued to make New York a better place, inspiring us through his writing, his activism, and his commitment to change.

But he was more than just the sum total of his accomplishments. Mayor Koch was larger than life. He stood taller than the bridge that bears his name. His sense of humor and tenacious spirit personified this town. Ed Koch was New York.

I can remember seeing him on TV when I was a little girl and thinking to myself, 'If I could ever meet him it would be a dream come true.'

Years later when I was working at the Anti-Violence Project, I was in the midst of a very public battle with City Hall. Mayor Koch called me out of the blue. I had never spoken to him in my life. He told me, “You’re doing the right thing. Don’t back down, and call me if I can do anything.”

Mayor Koch was never one to back down from a fight, and never above reaching out to a stranger to offer his help. Throughout my years in government, some of my proudest and fondest moments have been working and fighting by his side.

He once said, 'I don't want to leave Manhattan, even when I'm gone. This is my home.' Ed Koch will never leave New York City. He will exist forever in our hearts, and in the millions of lives he touched.

On behalf of a grateful city, I want to extend my deepest condolences to his family, his friends, and all those who loved him."

A former official in the Giuliani administration, Joe Lhota passed along some of his personal memories of Mr. Koch:

"Ed Koch’s bold personality was perfectly emblematic of New York City: loud, funny, out-going and in-your-face. When he walked the streets of New York, with his arms stretched above his head, yelling: 'How am I doing'? it wasn’t just a rhetorical question - - he really wanted the people to answer. Why? He wanted to always do a great job serving the City he loved.

For me, I will always remember Mayor Koch holding press conferences without his jacket, in a wrinkled shirt with his sleeves rolled-up, jousting with reporters. He loved every minute of it. He always represented the hard-working people of the City. Personally, I will always be thankful for Koch’s leadership in bringing the City out of the Financial Control Period. He was flawless in getting the City back on its feet."

While Doe Fund Founder George McDonald kept things simple with "Mayor, you did just great!":

"Mayor Koch was the quintessential New Yorker and a man whose life was synonymous with the character, complexity and magic of our great city. Today, we mark his passing with a final answer to his familiar refrain: How’m I doing? Mayor, you did just great! Rest in peace."

Former Comptroller Bill Thompson said Mr. Koch "embodied the spirit of our city":

“Today, our city mourns a great New Yorker. Throughout his life, Ed Koch embodied the spirit of our city. As mayor, Koch navigated New York through treacherous times and seemingly impossible challenges with humor, determination and strength. We‘ve lost an amazing New Yorker, but his indomitable spirit will be carried with each of us whose lives he touched and all those he inspired.”

Manhattan Media's Tom Allon looked at the former mayor's passion for reviewing movies:

"New York has not only lost an iconic mayor who led the city's renaissance after the 1970s fiscal crisis, but a great American who loved his country and who loved Israel and was never shy to express his feelings about those who he thought were a threat to his beloved city, nation or Israel.

"Koch had an exemplary post-Mayoral life where he found meaning and passion in various new roles from attorney to television personality to movie critic. It was in the latter role that I got to know him well: as the editor of his weekly film reviews in the 1990s I witnessed Koch's passion for telling our newspaper readers whether the movies he saw were worth the price of admission.

"When he started, he told me his ground rules: no movie openings, no talk of cinematography, just a straight ahead review of whether the film told a good story and was worth the viewer's time and expense. That summed Koch up: he was honest, blunt and told it like it was.

"New York will miss him and his unique style."

Comptroller John Liu labeled Mr. Koch a "true New Yorker":

"Ed Koch was a true New Yorker, outspoken and feisty to the very end. He lived a great life of 88 years, leaving an indelible imprint on the City, and we will miss him.”

Noting he "often disagreed with Ed," Public Advocate Bill de Blasio touted the Koch administration's accomplishments:

“When Ed Koch said ‘How'm I doing?’ it was both a boast and an act of humility. That simple phrase captured the fact that he was deeply connected to everyday New Yorkers. And that connection fueled his urgency and his greatness. He helped bring us out of the fiscal crisis, he helped bring the South Bronx back, he helped give us hope again—all because it was personal for him. He simply wouldn't let New York City fail. Like many, I often disagreed with Ed. But I also got to know and learn from this great man, with a heart and mind as big as the city he loved. Ed Koch is gone now, but his energy and inspiration can never be forgotten by those of us lucky enough to have known him.”

Ed Malloy (photo: local137.com)

Ed Malloy, a labor powerhouse who was, up until recently, president of the New York City and New York State Building and Construction Trades councils, tragically passed away earlier today.

Accordingly, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Governor Andrew Cuomo, and others sent out statements honoring Mr. Malloy, which you can view below:

From Governor Cuomo:

"Today we mourn the passing of Ed Malloy, who for decades stood up for the working men and women of New York and helped build the state into the great place it is today.

"For the years that Ed served as president of the New York City and New York State Building and Construction Trades councils representing over 200,000 union members, he worked tirelessly with public officials, investors, and labor leaders to get major infrastructure projects off the ground and create jobs in every corner of the state. Ed pioneered the Project Pathways agreement and Edward J. Malloy Initiative for Construction Skills that changed the face of the construction industry and opened the door for more than a thousand young, diverse New Yorkers to launch successful careers in the building trades. He was an early partner in forging the public-private partnerships that have helped pave the way toward building a new Tappan Zee Bridge.

"Above all else, Ed was a gentleman and a true New Yorker: putting the interests of others and service to his country and community above all else, including serving in armed forces and in numerous roles in public life. I send my condolences to his friends and family."

From Mayor Bloomberg:

"Ed Malloy – the former President of the New York City and New York State Building and Construction Trades Council – has passed away. I think his passing will be mourned by all who had the privilege to know Ed. He was a friend to the City, he was a friend to me, and he was someone for whom I’ve always had an enormous amount of respect. Ed, for decades, helped build New York and his legacy, I think, can be seen all across our city in projects big and small. And it’s no exaggeration to say that without his leadership, we wouldn’t have hundreds of schools, office buildings and parks in our city, and we might not have the stadium that brings us here today: the new home of the New York Mets, Citi Field."

From Majority Leader Dean Skelos:

It was with sadness that I learned today of the passing of Ed Malloy, the former President of the New York City and New York State Building and Construction Trade Councils.

As a State Senator and Majority Leader, I had the privilege of knowing and working with Ed, and found him to be a consummate professional and a good friend.  His passionate advocacy for the working men and women of New York was evident to all.

Ed Malloy was instrumental in many of the great things we’ve accomplished here in New York, and he will be sorely missed.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

From Congressional candidate Hakeem Jeffries:

"Ed Malloy stood as tall as the buildings he helped erect. His passing is a tremendous loss to all New Yorkers, and his service to this city will not soon be forgotten. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends."

From AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento:

“Ed Malloy dedicated his life to improving the lives of working men and women throughout the State of New York. Ed was an innovator who thought outside the box and had the rare ability to bring people together from different points of view to create jobs, improve working conditions, and foster positive change.”

“No fight was too big, no issue was too small to get Ed’s personal attention when it came to protecting workers. The thoughts and prayers of our affiliates and members are with Ed’s loved ones on this sad day.”

Donald Payne (Photo: Wikimedia)

The sad news emerged this morning that Newark Congressman Donald Payne passed away, and Brooklyn Congressman Ed Towns, who served alongside him for more than two decades, announced his sadness regarding his friend's passing.

“It is with profound sorrow that I express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of my dear friend and colleague Donald M. Payne with whom I was privileged to serve in the United States House of Representatives for the 23 years he proudly and marvelously represented New Jersey’s residents," he said in a statement.

"He was one the most honorable and compassionate people I have known in my life. He was a champion for the less fortunate here in the United States, in Africa, and throughout the world. His presence will be sorely missed.”

According to The Star-Ledger, Mr. Payne "was known as a tireless advocate for his constituents, a champion of education and a de facto ambassador to Africa."

Mr. Payne was the first African-American Congressman to represent New Jersey.

Update: Congresswoman Yvette Clark reacted as well with her own statement.