Statement from HDNet anchor and former CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather:

Tim's passing is a loss not only to his family and many friends, it is a loss to good journalism and to our country.

Tim, first and foremost, was devout in his faith and deeply devoted to his family. He loved his country with a passion and became a classic example of the ideal American journalist.

Tim had become an important part of our political process. He will be especially missed in this historic presidential election year.

Tim Russert was a beacon of quality journalism. At a time when quality journalism is in increasingly short supply, Tim Russert was a leader for what is best in American journalism. He was tough but air, pulled no punches, played no favorites.

As an interviewer, he had few, if any, peers.