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Ex-US Rep. Joe Kennedy Mourns Death Of Chavez

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy II is mourning the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, saying he cared deeply about the poor.

Kennedy, who heads Citizens Energy, said Chavez and the people of Venezuela donated about 200 million gallons of heating oil to Citizens Energy, which distributes oil to lower income families in 25 states and Washington D.C.

The program offers 100 gallons of free oil per family. Kennedy said nearly two million people in the United States received the assistance thanks to Chavez.

Kennedy said Chavez cared about the poor at a time when "some of the wealthiest people on our planet have more money than they can ever reasonably expect to spend."

Kennedy is a nephew of President John F. Kennedy.

Congressman Joseph Kennedy III also released a statement. "My thoughts and prayers are with President Chavez's family," said Kennedy. "In this time of transition, it is my hope that the United States and Venezuela can build a productive relationship for the future."

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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