By The opinion
Apr 17, 2024, 00:13 AM EDT
Bob Graham, a moderate Democrat who, as two-term governor of Florida and three-term United States senator, He passed away on Tuesday, April 16 at the age of 87.
His daughter Gwendolyn Graham confirmed the death in a statement on social media.
“We are deeply saddened to report the passing of a visionary leader, a dedicated public servant and, most importantly, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather,” his family said.
The Florida Democratic Party issued the following statement regarding Graham’s passing:
“There are no words that can fully capture what Bob Graham meant to the state of Florida. A giant of Florida politics, Bob set the standard for all elected officials who followed him, both Democrats and Republicans. He lived a life that most of us could only dream of, one in which he impacted the lives of millions with an incomparable heart for service and a moral compass that always pointed to the truth. “Our hearts go out to Adele, Gwen and the entire Graham family as they mourn his loss and celebrate his incredible life.”
Graham retired from the Senate in 2005 after nearly four decades in public office.
Aside from a short-lived campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004, he never failed in his bid for elected office.
He was also among the five Democrats who have been elected governor of Floridaa in roughly the same number of decades, until the long-dominant state party lost its grip on what had become a right-leaning swing state.
Graham was an early opponent of the Iraq War. saying it diverted U.S. attention toward the battle against terrorism centered in Afghanistan. He also criticized President George W. Bush for not having an occupation plan in Iraq after the US military ousted Saddam Hussein in 2003.
With information from The Washington Post and CBS News
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