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Mon 06 Jun 2010US senator Robert Byrd (92) dies
US senator Robert Byrd, who evolved from a segregationist to a civil rights advocate in becoming the longest serving member ever of the Congress, died today, a spokesman for the West Virginia Democrat said.
First elected to Congress in 1952, Mr Byrd was 92. His death is not expected to have any immediate impact on the Democrats' 59-41 control of the Senate. West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin is virtually certain to appoint a fellow Democrat to succeed Mr Byrd, whose current term expires in 2012.
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