Political leaders mourn Connecticut’s Joseph Lieberman. ‘May he rest in peace’

Political leaders from across the United States and decades of service mourned the death of former Connecticut U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman through statements on Twitter and sent to media. The onetime vice presidential nominee died Wednesday at 82.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Sara and I grieve with Hadassah and the entire Leiberman family on the passing of our beloved Joe Leiberman. Joe was an exemplary public servant, an American patriot and a matchless champion of the Jewish people and the Jewish state. In my very first meeting with him decades ago, I was struck by his integrity, decency and civic courage. He had a deep moral sense and common sense and was fearless in the defense of truth. He was also an extraordinarily kind and loyal personal friend. We will miss you greatly Joe. May the Leiberman family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Gov. Ned Lamont
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.”

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz
Today we mourn the loss of one of Connecticut’s political icons. Across decades – as a state senator, Connecticut attorney general, and U.S. senator – Joe Lieberman shaped policies that bettered the lives of residents in our state and across the nation. I greatly admired his dedication, and it was his book, The Power Broker, which inspired me to write my own biography of Governor Ella Grasso. Joe was there to impact critical policies during some of the most pivotal moments in our recent history, whether casting the deciding vote to pass the Affordable Care Act, landmark legislation that has provided more than 21 million Americans access to quality, affordable health care, or introducing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. In a post 9/11 era, Joe led legislation that led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security – an effort that is still keeping us safe today. My heart goes out to Joe’s family and all who loved him. He will be greatly missed.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal
Joe Lieberman was my friend for over 50 years.  On world and national stages, he helped to define and frame an era of history.  He was a fierce advocate, a man of deep conscience and conviction, and a courageous leader who sought to bridge gaps and bring people together.  He was dedicated to family and faith, and he was a role model of public service.  He never ceased listening to both friends and adversaries.   He leaves an enduring legacy as a fighter for consumers, environmental values, civil rights, and other great causes of our time and he was tireless in working for Connecticut no matter how far or high he went.  Cynthia and I are with his family in heart and prayer at this difficult time.

U.S. John B. Larson
America has lost a great champion,” said Larson. “I have known Joe Lieberman all of my political life, from his time as Majority Leader in the Connecticut State Senate, through his tenure as Attorney General, and on to the United State Senate, where he and Chris Dodd were a dynamic force for the State of Connecticut. While we may have had political differences, I have always had the utmost of respect for Senator Lieberman, someone who cared deeply about his state and this great nation we live in. My heart and prayers go out to Hadassah and the entire Lieberman family. This is a tragic loss for the United States of America.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro
Stan and I are heartbroken at the loss of our dear friend and my former colleague, Joe Lieberman.  I was blessed to both count Joe as a friend and have the opportunity to serve with him in the Congress for over 20 years.  It was a pleasure and honor to do so.  Joe leaves an incredible legacy of public service, and he will be deeply missed.

Together, we worked to pass legislation to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, to provide support to educators and public education, and to bring federal funding home to Connecticut to fund local projects like the Brownfield cleanup in Waterbury, public transit, and more. He was a champion for consumers, and he also understood the importance of preserving a future for our children by battling climate change and fighting to protect the environment. Although we often disagreed on the issues, I know our purpose for service was aligned: fighting for the hardworking families of Connecticut.  Stan was proud to work on his first campaign for the U.S. senate and his campaign with Al Gore that that won the popular vote. And Connecticut was never prouder than to see Joe run for Vice President.

I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Hadassah, his children, grandchildren, friends, and loved ones.

Attorney General William Tong
No one meant more to me in my choice to pursue public service than Joe Lieberman. And no one encouraged me more than he did. I first met him when he was Attorney General, and I was a 15-year-old campaign volunteer for his 1998 U.S. Senate race. He was principled and tough, but also incredibly warm and kind, and deeply dedicated to Connecticut and his hometown of Stamford. He has been a mentor and an inspiration throughout my career. I will never forget the moment, on the day I took office as Attorney General, that he called to tell me how proud he was. I would not be Attorney General today if not for his support and the many kindnesses he showed me over the years. It is a profound honor to walk by his portrait every time I step into my office. This is a heartbreaking shock, and a loss to us all. I send peace and love to Hadassah and all of his kids, Matthew, Becca, Hani and Ethan.

Former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy
Joe and I shared Stamford roots, so we go way back.  He spent much of his career fighting for people who didn’t, at the time, have a lot of politicians fighting for them.  I knew him for a long time, liked him very much, and respected his civility and decency – even when we disagreed, which we sometimes did.  The thing I’ll remember most about Joe was that he was a kind, down-to-earth person who never forgot where he came from, even when he made history as the first Jewish vice-presidential nominee of a major political party.  Cathy and I send our deepest condolences to Hadassah, and the entire Lieberman family.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy
Connecticut is shocked by Senator Lieberman’s sudden passing. In an era of political carbon copies, Joe Lieberman was a singularity. One of one. He fought and won for what he believed was right and for the state he adored. My thoughts are with Hadassah and the entire family.

Barack Obama
Joe Lieberman and I didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but he had an extraordinary career in public service, including four decades spent fighting for the people of Connecticut. He also worked hard to repeal “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” and helped us pass the Affordable Care Act. In both cases the politics were difficult, but he stuck to his principles because he knew it was the right thing to do. Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to Hadassah and the Lieberman family.

Leora Levy
Very sorry to learn the sad news of Senator Joe Lieberman’s (z”l) passing. He was a true Lion of Judah, a strong advocate for Israel & the Jewish People. He was a patriotic American who could reach across the aisle for the good of the country. He was a righteous person. May his memory always be a blessing.

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan
In his extraordinary lifetime of public service, Senator Joe Lieberman personified the ideal of country over party. He was a true patriot and statesman who stood for tireless ideals at home and abroad. In recent years, I was honored to serve with him as National Co-Chair of No Labels for three years. Our prayers are with Joe’s wonderful wife Hadassah and all his loved ones at this difficult time.

Rep. Ritchie Torres
I am deeply saddened to learn of Senator Joe Lieberman’s passing and send my heartfelt condolences to Hadassah and the entire Lieberman family. For the last few years, I’ve had the honor to serve as the Senator’s congressman after his move to Riverdale. Senator Lieberman devoted his life to public service, which deserves immense respect — all across the political spectrum. May his memory be a blessing.

Chuck Schumer
I am devastated to hear about the passing of our former colleague Senator Joe Lieberman. My heart is with his beloved wife Hadassah and his family, and I am praying for all who knew and loved him.

Chuck Grassley
Barbara& I send our prayers to Joe Lieberman’s family after hrg news of his passing We served 2gether in senate &worked on whistleblower initiatives, reining in mismanagement/hold govt accountable Joe was a dedicated public servant working w anyone regardless of political stripe

Andrew Yang
RIP Joe Lieberman – he was a real leader who was willing to work across the aisle if it meant getting good things done. He had admirers and friends in both parties. I was on a Zoom with him recently and am shocked at his passing.

Sen. Susan Collins
Joe Lieberman was a dear friend, a wonderful Senator, and a true patriot. He not only was one of the best legislators I have ever known, but also one of the best human beings.

Dennis Kucinich
Mourning the passing of my friend Sen. Joe Lieberman. We worked together on environmental issues & campaigned for president together. He was smart & witty & despite some differences, I loved him. May his memory be a blessing. Deepest sympathies to Hadassah & the Lieberman Family.

Retired Senior Assistant State’s Attorney John M. Massameno
I am shocked and saddened by the unexpected passing of Senator Joseph Lieberman. He reached out to assist a close family member just last week, which was so characteristic of his concern for others. He was an inspiration to me and to many others who served in government. He knew how to transcend the pettiness of party politics while retaining his humanity and graciousness, always seeking the best for the Nation and the people of Connecticut. He will be greatly missed.

Comptroller Sean Scanlon
Senator Lieberman was a titan in Connecticut politics and a trailblazer at the national level. From a young age, he dedicated his life to serving the state and country he loved and was never afraid to do what he thought was right for both. My thoughts are with his wife, children, and family at this time.”

House Republican Leader Vincent J. Candelora
Joe Lieberman has always embodied the spirit of bipartisanship in politics. Willing to see the best in his political opposites, he saw them as colleagues who could help forge the best outcomes for Connecticut, rather than enemies to be dismissed because they simply disagreed with him on an issue.

And Joe Lieberman was a force on the national political scene for decades, drawing people from all walks of life into his sphere, giving Connecticut a more robust voice on the national stage. Going back to 1970 when, during his run for state Senate in Connecticut as a Reform Democrat, he engaged a young Yale student named Bill Clinton to work on his campaign. The rest, with Joe Lieberman’s legacy as a state Attorney General, four-term U.S. Senator, vice presidential candidate and statesmen, as they say, is history.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Haddassah and the Lieberman family.’’

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2
The passing of Senator Joe Lieberman is a moment of history for the state of Connecticut. His long career in public life left indelible marks on our state. In eastern Connecticut, his brilliant 2005 summation speech before the Pentagon’s Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) in Boston, Massachusetts was a critical turning point in the successful effort to save Naval Submarine Base New London from closure. As a strong Sub Base supporter in the audience, I will never forget the power of his words that day which clearly reinforced the need for the Commission members to vote to keep the base open. May he rest in peace.”

Former U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman dies suddenly at 82 after a fall in New York City; former VP nominee