Bob Graham, former Democratic senator and two-term governor of Florida, has died at the age of 87.
Graham’s family announced his death Tuesday night. Statement posted on X by his daughter Gwen Graham;
“As a member of Congress, the 38th governor of Florida, and a U.S. senator, Bob Graham dedicated his life to improving the world around him,” his family said in a statement.
“His monument to that dedication is from the Everglades and other natural treasures he was determined to preserve, to the universities he championed in his efforts in higher education, to the international understanding he fostered through his work with intelligence agencies. It’s all over the place, from community to community and so much more,” the family said.
Here’s what I want you to remember about my dear friend, Senator Joe Lieberman.
former Florida first lady Adele Graham and former U.S. senator; Florida Governor Bob listens as the Florida Democratic Progressive Caucus hosts a gubernatorial candidate forum as part of the Florida Democratic Party’s annual fundraiser on June 17, 2017 at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida.・With Mr. Graham. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
His family remembered his devoted grandfather, Graham, and his love of Florida.
“Bob Graham used to tell people that his favorite title wasn’t governor or senator. It was the name his grandchildren gave him. ‘Doodle.’ Everybody calls me Super Doodle,’ he liked to say,” his family said. .
“For 87 years, Bob Graham has truly been more than good,” they said. “He was a rare man whose public accomplishments and personal characteristics combined to make him an unforgettable person. As his family, we honor his love for us, We will never forget the love he had for Florida, America and the world, and the love that so many people showed him. We are grateful for the gift of his life. ”
Most of the Democratic presidential candidates attended tonight’s Democratic Committee Presidential Dinner. (Michael Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Washington, D.C.) remembered Mr. Graham as a “patriotic American.”
“It was with deep respect and sadness that I learned of the passing of Senator Bob Graham, a patriotic American and great member of the United States Senate,” she wrote in an X post.
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“It was my privilege to work closely with Senator Bob Graham when he served as Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence,” she wrote. “He brought his love for his family and the state of Florida to the Senate and served with immense dignity and courage.”
Florida Sen. Rick Scott (RF.L.) thanked Graham for “dedicating his life to our state.”
“Bob Graham was a good man and a great Floridian who dedicated his life to our state,” Scott said. “His legacy will live on forever, not because of the titles he held, but because of what he did with those opportunities to improve the lives of families in Florida and the Sunshine State. ”
“Ann and I are both heartbroken to learn of his death,” he said. “He and Adele were so kind to our family and we will cherish the time we spent together. Please join us in praying for the Graham family and all those mourning Bob’s loss.” .”
Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine meets local mayors and elected officials for a policy conference at the Southwest Focal Point Senior Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on August 27, 2016. Former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham will be in attendance. (Johnny Lewis/Film Magic)
The former senator was one of the earliest opponents of the Iraq war, criticizing former President George W. Bush’s occupation of Iraq in 2003 after the ouster of Saddam Hussein.
Graham spent 18 years in Washington, particularly working with Florida Republican Connie Mack for more than a dozen years in the Senate.
He served in the Senate from 1979 to 1987.
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After leaving public service in 2005, Graham spent much of his time at his namesake public policy center at the University of Florida, where he pushed for legislation that would require more civics classes in the Sunshine State’s public schools. did.
Mr. Graham was selected by June 2010 to serve on an independent commission investigating the massive BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which threatened marine life and beaches along several southeastern Gulf states.5 He was one of the committee members.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
