John Zogby of Zogby International gave this statement over the phone following the death of his friend and colleague, Tim Russert. John did polling for NBC News during multiple presidential elections, had known Tim for 12 years and worked with him directly for 6 years.

STATEMENT FROM JOHN ZOGBY, ZOGBY INTERNATIONAL:
"(When I heard the news) I was numb, absolutely stunned. I never had any inkling of health problems. On one hand, he was a guy who was at the top of his game and a journalistic icon. On the other hand, he was an Irish guy from Upstate New York. (He was) the most unpretentious fellow that I've ever worked with."

"He didn't forget his roots, he lived them."

"We've lost a journalistic giant, but we also lost a very important role model. Someone who proved that you could be very successful in Washington and still be rooted in your original values."