Joe Lieberman, former US Senator, dies at 82
The centrist represented the state of Connecticut in the Senate for nearly a quarter of a century.
Mr Lieberman became the first Jewish politician to join a major party US presidential ticket in 2000 when Al Gore selected him as his running mate.
Mr Gore said he was “profoundly saddened” to learn of Mr Lieberman’s passing.
“It was an honour to stand side-by-side with him on the campaign trail,” Mr Gore said in a statement. “I’ll remain forever grateful for his tireless efforts to build a better future for America.”
The long-time politician served as the US senator from Connecticut between 1989 and 2013. He was a powerful legislator and his support was sought after in Washington.
“Senator Lieberman’s love of God, his family, and America endured throughout his life of service in the public interest,” his family said in its statement.
A Democrat of long standing, he broke from his party ranks on several issues – including its opposition to the Iraq War. He won his final term in office in 2006 as an independent.
