HARTFORD, Conn — State leaders praised late Gov. Jodi Rell Thursday, with GOP officials calling her the genuine article.
Rell died following a brief illness at a Florida hospital on Wednesday. She was 78 years old.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said in a statement, "Working very personally with Jodi Rell as state Attorney General over many years, I deeply admired her dedication to seeking bipartisan consensus and putting public interest over politics. She was unceasingly gracious and unequivocally caring in dealing with colleagues. She respected the rule of law— in spirit as well as letter— as I saw first-hand and continually valued. I was constantly grateful to her and her family for their public service, and their friendship. She had a magnificent life, and gave so much to the people of Connecticut. Cynthia and I are with them in our hearts and thoughts.”
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy released a statement, “Governor Rell was a public servant who could never be defined by traditional party lines. She led by example and helped restore trust in government, leaving behind a legacy guided by the values of integrity, responsibility, and civility in politics. Whether it be Connecticut's landmark clean elections system or our work to find breakthrough stem cell cures, so many great things about Connecticut have Governor Rell's fingerprints all over. Connecticut will miss her, and my thoughts are with her children, Mike and Meredith, and her entire family.”
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro said in a statement, “I am saddened by the news that Governor M. Jodi Rell has passed away. A principled and unwavering advocate for public service, Governor Rell's leadership exemplified integrity, bipartisanship, and dedication to the well-being of Connecticut's residents.
“She was the second woman to lead the state of Connecticut. Her tenure is remembered for its emphasis on ethical reform, fiscal responsibility, and civil rights initiatives.
“Her career in public service was one of tireless service, steady leadership, and a trailblazing spirit. Governor Rell showed us all that, as Martin Luther King, Jr., said, “the ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy.”
“As the state reflects on her impactful career, Governor Rell's commitment to public service continues to inspire leaders and citizens alike. Her legacy remains a cornerstone of Connecticut's political history, reminding us of the power of leadership rooted in compassion and accountability. My deepest sympathies go out to her children, Mike and Meredith, and to the entire Rell family.
Congressman Jim Himes said in a statement, “I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Governor Jodi Rell—a principled leader who guided Connecticut through a challenging time with grace, openness, and authenticity. Her love for our state shone bright throughout a long career in public office, and Connecticut is better off for her leadership. I hope that we can honor Governor Rell’s legacy by living her commitment to comity and bipartisanship—an approach sorely missed in today’s divisive politics. My heart goes out to her family during this difficult moment.”
The Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus said in a statement:
“Jodi Rell loved Connecticut, she loved public service, and she served our state with dignity and grace. As our 87th Governor, she had an incredible connection with Connecticut residents that helped her lead us through some very difficult days. She was the genuine article. She emphasized transparency in government. She was a leader and a role model for all our citizens. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Rell family. Our hearts are full knowing that she is reunited with her beloved Lou.”
Attorney General William Tong said, “It was my great honor to serve with Governor Rell when I first joined the legislature. After the tumult and uncertainty of her predecessor’s tenure, she was a model of grace and stability. The Governor was incredibly kind and gracious to me whenever I had the chance to engage with her. Her brand of thoughtful politics and leadership is sorely missed, and my hope is that elected leaders here and across the country will do better to follow her lead and example.”
Comptroller Sean Scanlon said in a statement, “In a difficult moment in our state’s history, Jodi Rell will forever be remembered as the leader who stepped up and restored people’s faith in honest government. She dedicated her life to public service, and her unwavering commitment as Governor to ethics reform, transparency, and improving healthcare access and education made Connecticut a better state. My thoughts are with her family during this time.”
House Republican Leader Vincent J. Candelora said, “We have all lost a dear friend and wonderful human being in the sad passing of former Gov. Jodi Rell. Most people I have spoken with were truly shocked by the news. But we can be heartened by the warm memories we shared of Jodi Rell who served her beloved state and hometown of Brookfield with dignity, class and honor. Her sunny demeanor and outlook will be missed but never forgotten.
“As a freshman state representative elected in 1984 she rose the ranks in her caucus and was recognized quickly for her ability and dedicated work to make Connecticut a better place to live for all. Jodi Rell ascended to the highest office in the state but never lost sight of where she came from, never forgot the people she met along the way or what it meant to represent the millions of her constituents, all of Connecticut.
“When she was introduced as the Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor to the party convention in 1994 the apt song “Pretty Woman’’ played. She was that in the eyes of everyone.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with her family, her son Michael, daughter Meredith and their children. And now she is reunited with her beloved Lou who preceded her from this life.’’
State Senate President Martin Looney said, “Governor Rell was a gracious, compassionate and intelligent leader for many years, guiding Connecticut and reassuring its citizens after the resignation of John Rowland. We always found her to be thoughtful, bipartisan, hardworking, and dedicated to improving the lives of Connecticut citizens. We extend our sympathies to her family and friends and encourage them to take comfort in the shining legacy that she has left the people of Connecticut.”
Len Fasano, Former Republican State Senate Leader said, "I am saddened to hear the news of Governor Jodi Rell’s passing. Governor Rell became Governor in a time when Connecticut needed a bright light and a trusted leader. She will forever be known for uniting Connecticut and bringing comfort to the residents of the State of Connecticut. Her tireless work and strong leadership moved Connecticut in the right direction. Her influence in politics continues to permeate the building and the State of Connecticut. My heart is with her and her family.'
State GOP Chairman Ben Proto said, “I had the honor, privilege and pleasure of knowing Jodi Rell and working with her” said Republican State Chairman Ben Proto. “As a young attorney, one of my first jobs was as counsel to the Connecticut House Republican Caucus. I had the opportunity to work with then State Representative Jodi Rell, on the bill screening committee. I had the opportunity to learn a great deal working with Governor Rell in that capacity” continued Proto.
“Jodi Rell was exactly what the state of Connecticut and, more importantly, the people of Connecticut needed in 2004 when she assumed the office of Governor. She brought a level of calm and focus, not only to the State Capital, but to the state. She reminded people of the good things government could do, and she was tireless in her efforts to make Connecticut stronger and better”
said Proto.
“Governor Rell may have ascended to the office of Governor during a tumultuous time, but her calm demeanor, her knowledge of state government, her political acumen and her southern charm, won over many critics and helped put Connecticut back on track. Governor M. Jodi Rell was the exact right person to lead our state at that time” Proto said.
“Governor Rell will be missed. We ask the people of Connecticut to take a moment to pray for Governor Rell and her family and to say a quiet thank you for all she did for beloved Connecticut” concluded Proto.
Doug Stewart is a Digital Executive Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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