Lowell Weicker and I served together in the U.S. Senate for nearly two decades. He was blunt, brave, committed to his convictions, and fiercely independent. And I was proud to call him a friend.
Throughout his career - from his days as a young Republican senator on the frontlines of the Watergate hearings, to his years as an independent governor who ignored politics to do what he believed was right - Lowell had the courage to take tough stands, speak the truth, and stand up for the better angels of our nation.
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He built an extraordinary record of service to the people of Connecticut and to our country - serving in the United States Army, as well as in local and state government, and as a U.S. congressman, senator, governor, and presidential candidate. He fought for disability rights, helping to lay the groundwork for passage of the civil rights landmark Americans with Disabilities Act; and worked in Congress and for a decade after to boost funding for medical research and disease prevention.
Throughout, Lowell was guided not by party, but by principle. He was a fearless moderating force who stood up for those who couldn't always stand for themselves - and he relished the fight.
Jill and I send our love to his wife, Claudia, his three children and extended family, and to the people of Connecticut, whom he served so honorably for so long.
