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Conservatives took to blogs, Twitter and Facebook to express their grief, shock and disbelief when reports of Andrew Breitbart's death were confirmed this morning.

Breitbart's death has reverberated throughout the social media world in a seemingly fitting way to remember a man whose work transformed the conservative blogosphere. From media pundits to GOP nominees, conservatives across the country are mourning the loss of the political provocateur.

Sarah Palin via Facebook: "We are all stunned and saddened by the news of Andrew Breitbart's passing. Andrew was a warrior who stood on the side of what was right. He defended what was right. He defended the defenseless.

It is so sad to consider his four young children who have lost their dad. All our prayers are with his family now. May God comfort his wife and children.

Many of us will have life-long memories of our work or encounters with Andrew. May we draw on those to help forward the cause of fighting for what is right. For me, just one of those memories was in Pella, Iowa, last year after the premier of "The Undefeated." Andrew held court in the restaurant at the local hotel talking about his favorite topic: how "culture is upstream of politics" and how conservatives must be unafraid to fight the leftwing media, cultural, and political establishments. The loss of his voice in this fight will be deeply felt, but thankfully his work lives on at his "Bigs," and thank God for his inspiration and leadership.

God bless you, Andrew. Rest in peace, friend. We will continue the fight."

Mitt Romney via Twitter: "Ann and I are deeply saddened by the passing of @AndrewBreitbart: brilliant entrepreneur, fearless conservative, loving husband and father. "

Newt Gingrich via Twitter: "Andrew Breitbart's sudden death is a tragedy for his family and for conservatism. Callista and I send our prayers and our condolences. / Andrew Breitbart was the most innovative pioneer in conservative activist social media in America. He had great courage and creativity."

Rick Santorum at a speech in Georgia: "Obviously prayers go to him and his family and it's a big shock. What a powerful voice. It's almost you mean you think of anyone who's more energy who's out there constantly driving and pushing he would be.  What a huge loss in my opinion for our country and certainly for the conservative movement and the prayers go out to my family. I'm sorry to hear it."

Rick Perry via paper statement: "Andrew Breitbart was an outspoken pioneer for conservative media who fought for what he believed in, exposing government corruption and media bias. His spirited voice will be missed, but not forgotten. Anita and I extend our sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and colleagues across the country."

Rep. Eric Cantor via Twitter: "I'm stunned to hear about the passing of Andrew Breitbart. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Susie, his children, and his friends."

Herman Cain via Twitter: "I admired @AndrewBreitbart's fighting spirit. Thoughts & Prayers to his family. He was my friend & I will miss him #RIP."

Rep. Michele Bachmann via Twitter: "Andrew Breitbart's family is in my prayers at the news of his sudden passing. Today we lost a true conservative and a man of conviction."

Radio Host Mark Levin via Facebook: "Like most, I am totally stunned and deeply saddened by Andrew's passing.  He was a wonderful person and patriot.  He loved his family and country.  I will miss him.  Many of us will.  Andrew had enormous energy and courage.  He was a pioneer.  He was only 43 years old.  I wish I had known him longer.  The last time I was with Andrew was in November, when we both spoke in Washington at an Americans for Prosperity event, where Occupy DC was outside the convention center making all kinds of accusations and bullying people.  Andrew loved the battle and he knew the stakes.  May he rest in peace.  May his family find peace.  May God bless him."

Columnist Michelle Malkin via blogging: "I'm stunned. He was kinetic, brash, relentless, full of fight, the bane of the Left, and a mentor to the next generation of right-wing activists and citizen journalists. Please keep his family in your prayers."