McCain first out of the gate with Falwell condolences

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was the first of the major Republican presidential candidates to issue a statement of condolence following the news that the Rev. Jerry Falwell had died.

“I join the students, faculty and staff of Liberty University and Americans of all faiths in mourning the loss of Reverend Jerry Falwell,” McCain said in a statement. “Dr. Falwell was a man of distinguished accomplishment who devoted his life to serving his faith and country."

{mosads}“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Falwell’s family at this difficult time.”

McCain’s statement comes at the end of a tumultuous relationship between the two men.

In the 2000 presidential campaign, McCain described Falwell, founder of the Moral Majority, and other evangelical leaders as “agents of intolerance.”

But last year, the senator gave the commencement address at the reverend’s Liberty University, a move that was perceived by most to be an olive branch extended before McCain again took to the presidential campaign trail.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) appeared to be the second candidate to issue a statement.