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Minneapolis (WCCO) ― Politicians offered a number of statements regarding the collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge over the Mississippi River. The following are excerpts from some of them.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar

"This tragedy hits so close to home -– in fact, within a mile of my family's home," said Klobuchar, a former Hennepin County Attorney and long-time Minneapolis resident. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the many people affected by this evening's shocking bridge collapse. Most importantly, we are grateful to the many first responders who have moved so quickly to help the victims of this unfortunate accident. ... On behalf of the entire Minnesota delegation, we are committed to working together to bring all available federal resources to bear in the wake of this tragedy. ... Right now, we need to rescue every person we can, and make sure they get the best health care they can. It's unbelievable to think that something that mammoth can collapse is just beyond imagination."

Sen. Norm Coleman

"In light of today's disaster, we send our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. This is a tragic day for the state, and must first focus on rescue and recovery. The people of Minnesota should know we will devote the full resources of the government in any way possible," said Coleman, who was in Washington, D.C. Wednesday evening and plans to fly into Minneapolis Thursday along with Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters. "The Secretary of Transportation assured me that a thorough and complete forensic investigation will be conducted, which I hope will produce a definitive answer as to why this unbelievable disaster has occurred. We must ensure that a catastrophe like the one that happened today never occurs again."

Gov. Tim Pawlenty

"First and foremost we want to say to the families that our heart and prayers are with you," said Pawlenty.

Rep. Keith Ellison

"Madam Speaker, I rise tonight with a heavy heart over the news of the collapse of the 35W bridge spanning the Mississippi River in my home town of Minneapolis earlier this evening," said Ellison, speaking on the House floor. "I have spoken with Mayor Rybak regarding this tragic situation and have pledged to work with him in every way possible to recover from this disaster. ... Our delegation stands united in marshaling all the resources our Minneapolis emergency forces need in the search and rescue efforts. I want to express my profound thanks for the dedicated work of the first responders who are on the scene risking their own lives to save others."

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman

"The city's emergency infrastructure is responding to the bridge collapse with all requested resources," read a statement released by Coleman's office. "We are in contact with officials in Minneapolis and have offered every available resource in response. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tragedy."

Robert Bruininks

Yesterday was a tragic day for our community, the Twin Cities and the entire state of Minnesota. The collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge over the Mississippi River was shocking, saddening and a sobering reminder of human mortality. We all feel the pain and suffer this loss that hits so close to home," wrote Bruininks in a statement that also noted the University would remain open Thursday. "As is so often the case, tragedy brings out the best in people. Our own University police were some of the very first to respond to this tragedy. And, our emergency response personnel are still on-site, helping in the response and recovery. We will continue to support the efforts of local, state and federal agencies in this effort."

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver

"The images coming across our television screens are certainly severe and sobering, and while we watch we hope and pray for the best for those involved in this tragic incident. We have offered support to our neighbors to the North, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and rescue crews responding to this disaster."

Rep. Jim Oberstar

"It's a 40-year-old bridge," said Oberstar, speaking on the House floor during discussion of a technical corrections bill for SAFE-TEA-LU, the major transportation bill that was passed in 2005, which authorizes the nation's surface transportation projects through 2009. "This is a tragic occurrence and I make that observation in the midst of this consideration of the technical corrections (of SAFE-TEA-LU) as an indication of how important it is for us to continue our vigilance on the integrity and condition of the nation's traveled roadways."

Steve Murphy, chair of the Minnesota Senate Transportation Committee

"I know the work that many of the bridge inspectors do for the state of Minnesota, and we do really good work," said Murphy. "If they said that that bridge in 2006 was in good shape, I believe it was in good shape. What happened today ... it's probably going to be weeks or months before we know."

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