Former US Senator Joe Lieberman dead at 82

Joe Lieberman, who served as one of Connecticut’s Senators from 1989 to 2013, has died at the age of 82 in New York City on March 27, 2024. A statement from his family indicated that his death was due to complications from injuries sustained during a fall.

The four-term Connecticut senator was Al Gore’s running mate in 2000, where he made history as the first Jewish vice-presidential candidate of a major political party. While noted for being a staunch supporter of Democratic priorities like the environment, abortion access, and gay rights, Lieberman frequently found himself in alignment with Republicans on foreign policy matters.

Lieberman, born in Stamford  in 1942,  began his political career as a member of the Connecticut State Senate, representing districts 10 and 11, centered around the northern portion of New Haven and parts of surrounding towns. He was also the state’s attorney general from 193 to 1989.

“Annie and I send our deepest condolences to Hadassah and the Lieberman family. While the senator and I had our political differences, he was a man of integrity and conviction, so our debate about the Iraq War was serious. I believe we agreed to disagree from a position of principal. When the race was over, we stayed in touch as friends in the best traditions of American democracy. He will be missed,” said Governor Ned Lamont of the former senator.

State Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding and State Senator Ryan Fazio of Stamford issued a joint statement: “Fiercely independent. Widely respected. Committed to bipartisan solutions. Unflappable.  Sen. Lieberman devoted his life to serving Connecticut and our country. That service was delivered with integrity, and it has positively impacted the lives of countless citizens. We are grateful for Sen. Lieberman’s dedication to improving the quality of life in our state and country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”