The family of the late Robert C. Byrd is thanking West Virginians for an outpouring of sympathy, respect and hospitality following the senator's death in June.
Newly appointed Sen. Carte Goodwin is expected to serve a brief time before someone is elected to fill the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd's unexpired term, and Goodwin already cast his first vote shortly after taking the oath of office.
West Virginia's governor has appointed a former aide to serve as U.S. Senator to fill the vacancy left by the late Robert C. Byrd.
Additional Coverage of Robert C. Byrd
NPR: The Focus Is On Byrd's Successor
NPR: Robert Byrd, Longest-Serving U.S. Senator, Dies At 92
Fresh Air Remembers Senator Robert Byrd
C-SPAN Speeches by Congressional leaders on Sen. Byrd
Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV; Mitch McConnell, R-KY; Jay Rockefeller, D-WV; Chris Dodd, D-CT; Lamar Alexander, R-TN; and Arlen Specter, D-PA.