WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today commented on the passing of Paul Weyrich.

Paul Weyrich was one of our first heroes of the conservative movement," Brownback stated. "He has always battled ideas and for some time battled physically, leaving us too early. His passion and strategy will be truly missed as well as his friendship. My heartfelt prayers and condolences to his family and his many, many friends."

Paul Weyrich was a long time conservative activist and founder of the Heritage Foundation and the Free Congress Foundation. Weyrich is survived by his wife Joyce and five children.