By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer
Posted Dec. 28, 2007 – Reaction was swift from elected officials in the United States to the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto Thursday.  Bhutto was gunned down as she waved to supporters from the sunroof of her armored car following a rally in Rawalpindia, a city of 1.5 million, nine miles from the nation’s capitol Islamabad.

Bhutto who had led Pakistan on two separate occasions, first from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996, had been dismissed both times by the sitting president for alleged corruption. 

With hopes of filling the post for the third time, Bhutto was participating in the parliamentary election scheduled to take place on Jan. 8.
 
President Bush was among the first American leader to condemn the violence. “The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan’s democracy,” Bush said. “Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice.”

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D- S.C.), a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, released a statement, saying, “I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and supporters of Benazir Bhutto as they mourn her unfortunate and untimely demise. The cowardice exhibited by the extremists who carried out this assassination stands as another reminder of the clear and imminent threat that terrorists pose to humanity and the advancement of democracy.

Both Democratic and Republican presidential candidate also spoke out against the murder. Here’s what they had to say:
Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.)
        “I am shocked and saddened by the death of Benazir Bhutto in this terrorist atrocity. She was a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people. We join with them in mourning her loss, and stand with them in their quest for democracy and against the terrorists who threaten the common security of the world.”
Former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Mass.)
       “This points out again the extraordinary reality of global, violent, radical jihadism. We don’t know who is responsible for this attack, but there’s no question but that the violence we see throughout the world is violence which is not limited to Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan, but is more global in nature.”
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.)
      “Her death is a tragedy for her country and a terrible reminder of the work that remains to bring peace, stability and hope to regions of the globe too often paralyzed by fear, hatred and violence.”
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-N.Y.)
      “Her death is a reminder that terrorism anywhere — whether in New York, London, Tel Aviv or Rawalpindi — is an enemy of freedom. We must redouble our efforts to win the terrorists’ war on us.”
Former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.)
      “At this critical moment, America must convey both strength and principle. We should do everything in our power to help bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and to ensure that Bhutto’s movement toward democracy continues.”
Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.)

     “On this sad day, we are reminded that while our democracy has flaws, it stands as a shining beacon of hope for nations and people around the world who seek peace and opportunity through self-government.”