 Through this point in 2009, McCain had sided with the Republican Party in closely divided votes more often than he had during any point of his senatorial career.Following fellow Senator Edward M. Kennedy's death towards the end of the month, McCain spoke at his friend's wake, recalling their sometime battles in the Senate which would be followed by "that infectious laugh of his that could wake the dead and cheer up the most beleaguered soul.The place won't be the same without him."