Democrats and Republicans lavished praise on longtime Connecticut senator and former Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Lieberman after his death at age 82 Wednesday.
“In an era of political 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,” Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut 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 for president in 2000.
Former Republican President George W. Bush, who defeated Al Gore in the razor-thin 2000 presidential election, praised his former rival’s legacy.
“Joe was not afraid to engage with senators across the board and worked hard to earn votes from outside his party,” Bush said. 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 a lasting legacy as a fighter for consumers, environmental values, civil rights and other great causes of our time.”
Lieberman, 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 No Labels’ presidential ticket, angering many of his former Democratic colleagues.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont successfully wrested the Democratic Senate nomination from Lieberman in 2006, but ultimately lost to him in the general election. Lamont acknowledged he had “political differences” with Lieberman, but said they “agreed to disagree from a position of director.”
Lieberman was a staunch supporter of Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among those who hailed his legacy.
“Joe was an exemplary public servant, an American patriot and an incomparable champion of the Jewish people and the Jewish state,” Netanyahu said said on social media.
Lieberman recently attacked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for saying Israel should replace Netanyahu. But that didn’t stop Schumer from saluting his former colleague.
“I am devastated to hear about the passing of our former colleague Senator Joe Lieberman,” Schumer said wrote on X. “My heart is with his beloved wife Hadassah and his family, and my prayers are with all who knew and loved him.”