Rhode Island officials praise Sen. McCain's years of service

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island politicians are offering their thoughts on the death of Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain.

Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, who served with McCain on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that at a time when "divisiveness is too often deployed for short-term political gain, McCain valued patriotism over partisanship."

Reed said McCain understood the importance of working together and called his devotion to duty and determination inspiring. Reed said McCain could be impatient but was always willing to reach out to friend or foe.

Fellow Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse offered his condolences to McCain's family.

Democratic Rep.