Former Sen. Joe Lieberman died Wednesday afternoon in New York City, his family said. He was 82 years old.
Former Sen. Joe Lieberman has died, his family announced Wednesday. He was 82 years old.
Lieberman died in New York City « due to complications from a fall, » his family said in a statement.
« His beloved wife, Hadassah, and members of his family were with him as he passed. Senator Lieberman’s love of God, his family, and America endured throughout his life of service in the public interest, » the statement read.
Lieberman, a prominent Jewish politician who represented Connecticut, was Al Gore’s running mate on the Democratic ticket in 2000. A political maverick who ultimately became an independent, he also nearly joined former Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain’s presidential ticket as his running mate. The two were friends and were both defense hawks, advocating for a muscular U.S. posture abroad.
Lieberman became a player on the political scene again in recent years as the founding chair of the No Labels party, which is weighing launching a « unity ticket » in this year’s presidential race, though no major candidates have said they plan to join.
Lieberman « meant so much to so many, » No Labels said in a statement following his passing. « He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was a senator and a statesman. He was the founding chairman and moral center of the No Labels movement.
« His unexpected passing is a profound loss for all of us, » the statement continued.
« Senator Lieberman was a singular figure in American political life who always put his country before party. He was a deeply principled and pragmatic leader who believed public service was a privilege and who dedicated his life to the betterment of others. As a four-term senator, he led passage of transformative bipartisan legislation that made America’s air and water cleaner, that made us safer after 9/11, and that expanded equality and opportunity for all, » the statement continued, in part.
