Several Republican presidential candidates have now responded to the news of toppled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's death on Thursday.

Texas Governor Rick Perry issued a statement saying that Gaddafi's death "should" bring an end to the conflict in Libya, and said the U.S. must play a role in securing any stockpiles of weapons Gaddafi left behind.

“The death of Muammar el-Qaddafi is good news for the people of Libya. It should bring the end of conflict there, and help them move closer to elections and a real democracy," Perry said. “The United States should work closely with Libya to ensure the transition is successful, and that a stable, peaceful nation emerges."

Speaking to reporters in Iowa, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney said it was "about time" Gaddafi was killed.

In a Twitter message, Herman Cain said simply: "Gaddafi is gone, that's good. Now the question is: What's next?"

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann said in a statement that the world would be a better place with Gaddafi.

More from GlobalPost: Gaddafi news live blog

“For more than 40 years, we lived with the Muammar al-Qaddafi regime and the atrocities he orchestrated," Bachmann said. "It is my hope that Qaddafi’s reign of terror will be replaced with a government that respects the people of Libya and one that will be a good partner with the United States. Hopefully, today will also bring to an end our military involvement there, something I opposed from its beginning."

And former Governor Jon Huntsman called the development "positive news" but "just one step in a long and tumultuous turnover that is coming to Northern Africa."

"It is my sincere wish that this news accelerates Libya's transition to a society that respects openness, democracy, and human rights," Huntsman said. "I remain firm in my belief that America can best serve our interests and that transition through non-military assistance and rebuilding our own economic core here at home."