The following is a collection of statements from politicians and others regarding Saturday's death of U.S. Rep. Julia Carson:

President George W. Bush: "Julia was a dedicated and admired public servant who will be missed by her many friends and colleagues both at home in Indiana and in our nation's capital. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends."

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: "She was a powerful advocate for the people of Indianapolis, and for all working families throughout our great nation. Congresswoman Carson led the charge to honor Rosa Parks with the Congressional Gold Medal. It was a fitting cause for her, as Julia Carson and Rosa Parks shared a quiet determination, a fierce sense of purpose, and a total commitment to the ideal equality, which is our nation's heritage and hope."

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels: "We've lost a true original. Julia Carson was honest, and brave, and a lioness in causes she believed in. But she was also pure of heart, and hers was the heart of a servant. There was determination, and resolve, and genuine conviction in Julia, but never meanness.

"And she was such fun. It was rare to leave her presence without a smile. And after the sadness fades a bit, we'll still have that. I know I'll think of her often, and always with a smile."

U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.: "Julia Carson overcame much and accomplished much, and devoted her life to helping other people do the same. She was elected to important public offices, but never forgot who she was, where she came from or who she was there to serve. She had a great sense of humor and a great sense of style, both of which are all too often lacking in public life.

"She has left a great legacy and I will miss her."

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.: "Her principled advocacy for civil rights, women's rights, children's health care and economic opportunity made an enormous impact on her district, her state, and her country. She was not only a friend and a colleague, but a kindred spirit in the fight for equality and justice."

U.S. Rep Pete Visclosky, D-Ind: "Julia was a dear friend, a wonderful human, and a true champion for justice and equality. ... With her passing, we lost a compassionate leader who never forgot where she came from. Indiana, the United States Congress, and the nation have lost a voice that can never be replaced."

U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth, D-Ind.: "She leaves behind a legacy of standing up for those most vulnerable among us. But most of all, Julia accomplished what we should all strive to: She left the world a better place than when she found it. She will be deeply missed."

U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Ind.: "Julia dedicated her life to serving her fellow Hoosiers and the nation and she did so with great enthusiasm and vigor."

U.S. Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind.: "Indiana lost one of its finest today. I am deeply saddened to hear of Julia Carson's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.

"I have known Julia for more than 20 years, and am a better person for it. She was a dear friend and her spirit will unarguably live on not only in the halls of Congress, but in the neighborhoods of Indianapolis where she touched the lives of so many. She had an enormous presence in Indianapolis and was always striving to help those in need.

"Julia embodied the true meaning of a 'liberal' -- a woman who was always fighting for those without a voice. She championed civil rights and walked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. fighting for equality. She was to me, and so many others, a true hero.

"Julia was not only proud to be a member of Congress and represent the fine people of Indianapolis, but she was constantly amazed at how far she had come. As many know, Julia had a difficult upbringing but only used those experiences to strengthen and shape her political views. Julia constantly reminded us all how fortunate we are to be members of Congress.

"I will miss Julia very much. But, her spirit will live on for decades to come. She was a truly faithful person and took much comfort in that. I am so honored to have known Julia for so many years and to have worked so closely with her. She leaves behind a legacy of charity, service and an unwavering commitment to helping others."

U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind. "I grieve the passing of Congresswoman Julia Carson. Indiana lost a pioneering leader and I lost a friend. As the first woman and the first African-American elected to Congress from Indianapolis, Julia Carson will be long remembered in Indiana public life.

"During her years of service to the people of Indianapolis, as a state legislator, Center Township trustee and congresswoman, Julia Carson lived out a commitment to serving the underserved and to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable. She was a tenacious advocate for her constituents but a charitable Christian woman to everyone she encountered.

"Her legacy will be one of service and devotion to God and family. She will be deeply missed by colleagues in Congress and by our little family. May Julia Carson rest in peace and may God grant comfort to the family and friends who mourn her passing."

U.S. Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind.: "I was deeply saddened when I heard that Congresswoman Carson passed away this morning. Julia was a tireless fighter for those things she believed in. She was loved by her constituents and respected by her colleagues. I want to extend my prayers and deepest sympathies to her family during this difficult time."

Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman: "Julia Carson gave tirelessly of herself during her time of public service. Her legacy as an advocate for the people of Indianapolis will always be remembered. It's not often you find elected officials who demand such loyalty and respect from colleagues as she did. Julia is a source of inspiration for us all and her death has left a void in the hearts of many Hoosiers."

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker: "There are no words eloquent or beautiful enough to describe Julia Carson and her legacy of service to this state and community.

"Julia fought for those with no voice. She fought for those who had lost hope in the system. She fought for and never lost sight of what she believed in.

"On this day, we remember her warm smile, her quick wit and her love of life, and we pay tribute to a woman who has become a political legend."

Marion County Democratic Party Chairman Michael O'Connor: "I was deeply saddened to learn this morning about the passing of Congresswoman Julia Carson. The people of our city, our state and our country have lost a truly wonderful friend and dedicated public servant. While I share in our community's sense of mourning, I hope that everyone who knew and loved Congresswoman Carson will take some time today to celebrate and rejoice in the extraordinary life that she led.

"Congresswoman Carson leaves us with a legacy of compassion and caring that will endure for generations to come. We have lost of giant.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Congresswoman Carson's family, her friends and to all of those whose lives she touched in her private and public life. Congresswoman Carson was -- and will remain -- an inspiration to all of us who had the honor and privilege of knowing her."

Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson: Julia Carson was a true friend, and Amy and I will miss her more than we can express in words. She was wise in matters of government and politics, but even more so about life. She understood human nature better than anyone I have known. And yet, in spite of all the failings inherent in the human condition, she loved people.

"Julia had a soft and gentle heart, but brought a steely resolve to her work. She had no doubts when it came to right and wrong, and she had no tolerance for that which she judged as wrong. And yet she had a broad capacity for forgiveness.

"I am amazed by Julia Carson, by her extraordinary achievements, by her character, and by the life she lived. I am so proud that her name will forever be associated with the great city of Indianapolis."

Indianapolis Mayor-Elect Greg Ballard: "The citizens of Indianapolis have lost a true friend with the passing of Congresswoman Julia Carson, and I extend my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends and supporters. Congresswoman Carson made sure her voice was heard even when others' were silenced. May God grant her everlasting peace."

Marion County Republican Central Committee Chairman Tom John: "We are deeply saddened at the loss of any member of our Indianapolis community, especially one whom we have known for so long as Julia Carson. On behalf of Marion County Republicans, I offer our condolences to Congresswoman Carson's family; we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers."

Former Indiana first lady Judy O'Bannon: "Julia Carson was a remarkable woman. Frank (O'Bannon) worked with her for many years and always appreciated the skill and passion she brought to public service.

"She was fearless and never shied away from tackling problems head on, both in elected office and in her personal life. Often, she brought many of us to see the reality of what was going on in our world, and inspired us to join with her in taking action.

"We Hoosiers have lost a good friend, and Indiana won't be the same without her."

Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson: Julia Carson was a like a sister to me. Julia's life was a true American success story. The congresswoman overcame countless obstacles in her determined effort to help people -- children, working women and men, and veterans -- Julia's people. Though the congresswoman shared the stage with national leaders, she was "just Julia" to the people of the 7th Congressional District. Helping others, what true public servants do, is Julia's everlasting legacy. As we celebrate faith and family this holiday season, let us remember and honor this remarkable woman. I thank God that He blessed us with Julia Carson; now I ask Him to bless her. May Julia Carson rest in peace."

Jim Schellinger, Democrat running for governor: "Laura and I join Hoosiers across our state as we mourn the loss of Congresswoman Julia Carson. Her death comes as a great loss to all of us. However, we will always remember her strength of spirit and love for helping others -- qualities she inspired in everyone who knew her. She led a life of service which motivated each of us to reach higher, and our state will always honor her memory by building upon her legacy for generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Carson's family during this time as we all grieve this loss."