Pa. political leaders express condolences to Paterno family

Republican U.S. Senator Pat Toomey says Paterno had an “enormous role” in building the Penn State institution.

His Democratic counterpart, Bob Casey, says the former coach will be remembered for his “accomplishments as the winningest coach in major college football.”Just days ago, state Senator Jake Corman of Centre County choked back tears on the Senate floor and defended the legendary coach, who lost his job in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal that engulfed Penn State. Corman said Paterno will be remembered for what he brought to both the university and the commonwealth. “It’s a better place because Joe Paterno chose to live here,” said Corman. Corman says the state has suffered a “tremendous loss,” but must not lose the Paterno way of building up people and communities.