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Democrats and Republicans offered lavish praise for longtime Connecticut senator and former Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Lieberman following his death at age 82 on Wednesday.
“In an era of political carbon copies, Joe Lieberman was a singularity. One of one. He fought and won for what he believed was right and for the state he adored,” Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy said on social media, offering his condolences to Lieberman’s family.
Lieberman served in the Senate from 1989 to 2013 and became the first Jewish candidate to run on a presidential ticket in 2000.
Former Republican President George W. Bush, who defeated Al Gore in the razor-thin 2000 presidential contest, praised his one-time rival’s legacy.
“Joe wasn’t afraid to engage with senators from across the aisle and worked hard to earn votes from outside his party,” Bush said in a statement. “He engaged in serious and thoughtful debate with opposing voices on important issues.”
Connecticut’s senior senator, Richard Blumenthal, highlighted Lieberman’s political legacy.
“He was a fierce advocate, a man of deep conscience and conviction, and a courageous leader who sought to bridge gaps and bring people together,” Blumenthal said in a statement. “He leaves an enduring legacy as a fighter for consumers, environmental values, civil rights, and other great causes of our time.”
Lieberman, who was known for his centrist approach, became an independent during his final term in the Senate, although he continued to caucus with Democrats. More recently, he played a leading role in efforts to find a candidate for the No Labels presidential ticket, angering many of his former Democratic colleagues.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont successfully wrested the Democratic Senate nomination from Lieberman in 2006, but ultimately lost to him in the general election. Lamont acknowledged that he had “political differences” with Lieberman, but said they “agreed to disagree from a position of principal (sic).”
Lieberman was a stalwart supporter of Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among those who saluted his legacy.
“Joe was an exemplary public servant, an American patriot and a matchless champion of the Jewish people and the Jewish state,” Netanyahu said on social media.
Lieberman recently attacked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for saying that Israel needed to replace Netanyahu. But that didn’t prevent Schumer from saluting his former colleague.
“I am devastated to hear about the passing of our former colleague Senator Joe Lieberman,” Schumer wrote on X. “My heart is with his beloved wife Hadassah and his family, and I am praying for all who knew and loved him.”
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