U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the veteran lawmaker from Massachusetts who is the last surviving brother in the legendary Kennedy family, has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, his doctors said today.

Specialists in Boston said the information released indicated that Ted Kennedy has terminal cancer and might have only a limited time to live.

At best, the liberal icon’s prognosis is uncertain.

The youngest of the nine children of Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Ted was elected to the Senate in 1962 to finish the term of his brother, John F. Kennedy, who had been elected president. Now the Senate’s second-most senior member, Ted Kennedy is serving his eighth term.

A champion of Democratic causes for nearly five decades, he ran for president in 1980, losing the party’s nomination to President Jimmy Carter.

Ted’s illness comes as devastating news for Massachusetts and much of the political world, regardless of which side of the spectrum you fall under. Follow the jump to see what some of Kennedy’s colleagues had to say.

“Every one of us knows what a big heart this fellow has. This guy is one unbelievable fighter … He’s in a fighting mood. He’s helped millions and millions of people in so many way in so many times.” - Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry

“Ted is strong guy and has great heart, and we’re confident he’ll be back here,” - Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd

“I know I speak for people all over the Commonwealth, indeed all over the country, wishing him well and sending him the very best and strongest prayers. You don’t have time and enough tape for all the different ways in which Ted Kennedy has, and continues to be, important to Massachusetts. His interests in the meek and the mighty, for economic justice, health care, education. He has an extraordinary record, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him.” - Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick

“Obviously, he’s a fighter. There isn’t anybody like him. He gets up and goes out and does battle on behalf of all of us every single day. And I know he’s a fighter when it comes to the challenges he’s facing right now.” - New York Sen. Hillary Clinton

“While we are still learning the extent of Teddy’s diagnosis and treatment options, what we do know is that Teddy is an incredibly courageous and tenacious man who will tackle this with the same determination with which he approaches everything in life.” - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose wife, Maria Shriver, is Kennedy’s niece

“It’s heartbreaking… I had just spoken to Ted two days ago, right after the seizure, and he seemed in great spirits. I think you can argue I would not be sitting here as a presidential candidate, had it not been for some of the battles that Ted Kennedy has fought. So not only is he a personal friend, not only has he been among the most important supporters during the course of this campaign, but he’s somebody who always has a kind word to say, always has good humor, even with his adversaries.” - Illinois Sen. Barack Obama