HARTFORD, Conn. — State leaders are reacting to former Connecticut Gov. Lowell Palmer Weicker Jr.'s passing on Wednesday afternoon. He died of a short illness at the age of 92, according to his family.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal issued a statement calling the former governor and U.S. Senator fearless and relentless.
“Lowell Weicker was always larger than life — fearless and relentless in fighting for what he believed right, and in serving people. As an elected official, he was a model of courage in standing up and speaking out for conviction and conscience, even if others disagreed," he said. "He did immense good for Connecticut and our country, and he did it his way. Cynthia and I extend condolences to Claudia and his family."
As an independent, Weicker served as governor from 1991 to 1995. Prior to that he had been a Republican when he was elected to the state legislature, U.S. Congress and the U.S. Senate.
Former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, who defeated Weicker in 1988 in the race for the senate said, “The passing of Senator Lowell Weicker saddens me and fills me with a rush of memories."
"Twists of history made us into antagonists in 1988 but before, during, and after that campaign I had great respect for Lowell. In that campaign, I knew I had entered the ring with a passionate and fierce fighter. He made me a better campaigner that year and a better public servant afterwards. And I was very happy that after that campaign we developed a cordial relationship."
"Looking back at Lowell’s service as Senator and Governor from this terribly partisan time in our politics, you have to admire the many times he broke from his party to take a stand, make a statement, or cast a vote because he thought he was right and his party was wrong. We need more of that today."
"Hadassah and I send our condolences to the family of Lowell Weicker, and hope that you will be blessed, comforted, and inspired by memories of him.”
U.S. Rep. John Larson also sent his condolences to the family of Weicker, while also calling him a great leader.
“Our hearts go out to Claudia and the entire Weicker family. Governor Weicker was an exceptional leader who never shied away from taking on the difficult tasks of both governance and politics,” said Larson. “He led forthrightly and was bold, yet he had an incredible sense of compassion for the people he was sworn to serve and the state he so deeply loved. You always knew where you stood with Lowell Weicker: he didn’t mince words or sugarcoat his intentions. It was an honor to work alongside him, both when we agreed and disagreed. The State of Connecticut was well-served by his integrity and commitment.”
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney said in a statement:
“The passing Lowell Weicker at his home in Old Lyme surrounded by his wife Claudia and family will resonate far and wide," Courtney said. "His service to our nation and state was always driven by the public good - whether it was caring for the disabled or defending our democracy and the constitution. He did not flinch from entering 'the arena' of public affairs as Theodore Roosevelt called it, to fight the good fight and in doing so, set an inspiring example of citizenship that will live on for generations to come.”
Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement that he was a great friend and is grateful for the counsel and advice that he was provided.
“Lowell and Claudia have been great friends to Annie and me for many years, and I am grateful for the counsel and advice that he provided. He truly cared about implementing policies that improve Connecticut for the better, and I admire his independent way of leading. Lowell never ducked a tough battle, absolutely convinced that he was right, and he usually was. He was always bigger than life, and he always will be. On behalf of the people of the State of Connecticut, I thank Governor Weicker and his entire family for everything they have provided our state. Annie and I extend our deepest sympathies,” Lamont said.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz called his political courage inspiring.
“Connecticut has lost a legendary, larger-than-life, and lionhearted leader. Lowell Weicker was a dedicated public servant who committed his life to his community, his state, and his nation for over four decades. He became a public figure as a member of the Senate Watergate Committee, where he became the first Republican senator to call for Richard Nixon’s resignation. His political courage was inspiring as he guided Connecticut through difficult financial times, ushering in measures that would help our state to build a more sustainable future. A fiercely independent-minded individual, Lowell was unafraid to speak his mind – he didn’t sugarcoat things or fear an unpopular decision. He did and said what he believed was right. Lowell exemplified what it meant to lead with compassion and empathy, but also a clear toughness. Throughout the years, he’s remained a mentor to me and so many others. The governor and I will miss his advice and wise counsel. Our hearts go out to his wife Claudia and their family.”
Treasurer Erick Russell issued a statement:
“Today, I join people across Connecticut in mourning the passing of Lowell Weicker, a larger-than-life political figure who served admirably and with distinction for more than 30 years. From his time as state representative through his years in Washington as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a three-term U.S. Senator, to his term as our Governor in the 1990s, Lowell Weicker was a ferocious advocate for our state and the values he held dear. He personified political grit and determination, demonstrating immense courage when facing the most daunting issues of his time, including government corruption, South African apartheid, the AIDS/HIV crisis, and care for the disabled. Connecticut and the nation will long benefit from his many contributions. I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Claudia, and to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”
Mayor Luke Bronin said Connecticut is a better state because of his public service.
"Governor Weicker was a giant in Connecticut politics, a leader who personified nonpartisanship, political courage and putting people above party. Governor Weicker was willing to make tough decisions, even when they weren’t the most popular ones. In the U.S. Senate, he bravely stood up to his increasingly conservative Republican colleagues, voting in favor of civil rights and opposing the nominations of radically conservative Supreme Court nominees. As governor, he tackled a fiscal crisis head-on, fighting for an income tax that he knew was necessary, regardless of the political risk. Connecticut is a better state because of his 30+ years of public service, and his impact will not be forgotten. My thoughts are with his loved ones today," Bronin said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney released the following statement on the passing of Governor Lowell Weicker.
"Lowell Weicker was a champion for what needed to be done even when it was unpopular. During his four years as governor, I served my last term in House and first term in the Senate. I'll never forget when I met with him then to advocate for state funding to renovate the New Haven Coliseum and talking through all the complications and issues that needed to be addressed at the venue. Governor Weicker at the end just looked at me and said 'You should blow that place up.' That meeting was indicative of his blunt, straightforward, and humorous style that he brought as governor and for years after as an elder statesman in Connecticut. I am saddened that he has passed and my prayers are with his family and friends."
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim issued a statement following the death of Lowell Weicker:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Governor Lowell Weicker. I had the honor to work with then Governor Weicker during the early 90s and am proud that many of our efforts have led to continued success today. Governor Weicker was integral in relocating Housatonic Community College from Barnum Avenue to downtown where it has thrived, in moving State Police Troop G station to downtown Bridgeport to allow more access and collaboration between local and state law enforcement, and in establishing the Beardsley Zoo as a State asset. I offer my sincere condolences to Governor Weicker’s family. I know that his contributions to our state will continue to benefit generations to come.”
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said he is a political figure who played a great role in his life.
"Lowell Weicker will go down as one of the most consequential leaders in Connecticut history, and I'm heartbroken that he's gone. He modeled a kind of public service that feels extinct today. He put his convictions and the best interests of the country ahead of party or political gain. He had a north star – what he felt was right – and he took many political risks and made many political enemies to pursue that objective," Murphy said.
Connecticut Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford), Senator Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich), said the entire Senate Republican Caucus mourn the loss of political giant and former Republican U.S. Senator and Governor Lowell Weicker, who dedicated his life to serving the people of Connecticut and our nation. Weicker stood firm and did not waiver in his beliefs of what he deemed right for the State of Connecticut.
Sen. Kevin Kelly said, “Outspoken. Independent. Principled. Lowell Weicker embodied these qualities and had a deep appreciation for the state and the people of Connecticut. He dedicated his life to public service, getting people involved in their communities, and creating a lasting impact on our state. For that, we owe a debt of gratitude to the former U.S. Senator and Governor. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Claudia, family, and friends during this difficult time.”
“Lowell Weicker and Greenwich will forever be synonymous,” said Sen. Ryan Fazio. “He was a leader who constantly challenged the status quo. He didn’t want to win any popularity contests. He was an independent-minded activist who stood up for what he believed in. He strove to make reforms despite intense political and public criticism. Lowell Weicker was a son of Greenwich who led a unique and impactful life of service to help improve the quality of life in our state and nation. For that, he deserves our gratitude and our respect. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family, whom he loved dearly.”
Former Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement;
“Lowell Weicker was the type of public servant all of us who’ve held office aspire to be: tough and compassionate at the same time, principled, and never afraid to take tough stances on difficult political and public policy issues. He had a long, storied career, during which he did many great things for Connecticut, and for the country. Cathy and I send our deepest condolences to Claudia and the entire Weicker family.”
Connecticut Democratic Chair Nancy DiNardo said:
"Lowell Weicker was a giant in state and national politics. He was unafraid to challenge the status quo, even when held by his own party. He was the first Republican to call for Richard Nixon’s resignation during the Watergate affair; he saw Donald Trump for who he was decades ago; and he was unafraid to press for an overhaul of Connecticut’s tax laws when the state faced the largest deficit in the nation. Lowell Weicker was a public servant whose like we will not soon see again. His voice will be greatly missed."
Emma Wulfhorst is a political reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at ewulfhorst@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.