Lawmakers around the state are reacting to the death of former Senator Warren Rudman. Here's a sampling of what they've said:
U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte:
“Warren Rudman was a national leader who made New Hampshire proud. He was tenacious about reducing our debt and he worked tirelessly to support our men and women in uniform. Warren was a fighter who had the courage of his convictions, and he always stood up for what he believed was right regardless of the consequences.
“Before his time in the Senate, he was an extraordinary attorney general for our state who modernized the office and made it what it is today. A combat veteran, he showed bravery and courage as a platoon leader during his service in Korea.
“Warren was a role model who raised the bar for public service. I join citizens across New Hampshire in mourning his loss.”
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen:
“Senator Rudman will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice and an unbreakable devotion to country. As Attorney General and U.S. Senator from New Hampshire, he always put principle over politics and fought for what he believed in. Senator Rudman’s willingness to work across party lines to get the job done remains an example for all elected officials. Our state is a better place because of Warren Rudman. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family.”
N.H. Governor John Lynch:
"Warren Rudman work tirelessly to serve the people of New Hampshire and the nation. As a leader in the U.S. Senate, he was someone who stuck to his principles, yet was able to reach across the aisle to work toward a bipartisan resolution on the issues of the day," Gov. Lynch said. "His long public service and statesmanship are examples for us to follow and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers and those of my wife, Susan, are with the Rudman family at this time."
Governor-Elect Maggie Hassan:
"Tom and I are saddened to hear about Senator Rudman's passing. He was a true statesman for the people of New Hampshire and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rudman family."
N.H. Sen. Jeb Bradley:
“I appreciated Warren’s support and wise counsel when I was in Washington. Warren served his country as a soldier, a senator and a statesman. He will be remembered as someone who cared deeply about our national debt and national security long before others understood the need to pay attention to these issues. He stood firm for his convictions both here in Concord as attorney general and in Washington as our U.S. Senator. His leadership will be missed and our thoughts are with the Rudman family today.”
N.H. Sen. Lou D’Allesandro:
“I am truly saddened by Sen. Rudman’s death. Our paths crossed many times over the years, both in politics and education, and I had tremendous admiration for him. I worked with Warren when I was a member of the Executive Council and he was serving as New Hampshire’s attorney general. We also worked very closely together during our association with Daniel Webster College. Warren was a straight-shooter who made a real difference here in New Hampshire as well as in Washington. His family has my deepest sympathies.”
Also, President Obama sent this statement Tuesday afternoon:
"With the passing of Warren Rudman, the United States has lost a decorated war veteran and one of our country’s great public servants. Over almost 20 years representing the people of New Hampshire – first as Attorney General and then in the Senate – Warren was the embodiment of Yankee sensibility and New England independence. As an early advocate for fiscal responsibility, he worked with Republicans and Democrats alike to call attention to our nation’s growing deficit. And as we work together to address the fiscal challenges of our time, leaders on both sides of the aisle would be well served to follow Warren’s example of common-sense bipartisanship. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Rudman family."
