Former Sen. Rudman Passes Away

Former U.S. Sen. Warren Rudman, a Republican, noted for being a deficit hawk and moderate centrist, passed away on Monday evening at the age of 82, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader and other press outlets. 

Born in Boston, Mass., Rudman grew up in New Hampshire and spent most of his life in the state, leaving only to attend college and serve in the Korean conflict. He attended law school at Boston College, and was named attorney general here in the Granite State in 1970. In 1980, he ran for the U.S. Senate and won, and served two terms. Rudman was one of a handful of Jewish politicians from the state, according to Wikipedia. 

Rudman's most noted legislative achievement was the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act, a balanced budget/deficit reduction proposal which sought to make automatic federal budget cuts - sequesters - in the wake of the bipartisan, runaway deficit spending of the early 1980s. 

Rudman and former Gov. John Sununu were also influential in the nomination of David Souter to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) spoke of Rudman's record of service to New Hampshire and the country:

“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.”

Gov. John Lynch said:

"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. 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."

U.S. Rep.-elect Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH) said:

"New Hampshire mourns the passing of U.S. Senator Warren Rudman, a leader in bipartisan deficit reduction and good government. His greatest achievement was the confirmation of David Souter to the U.S. Supreme Court, ushering in an era of equality and liberty for all New Hampshire citizens."

Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, a Republican and former congressman for New Hampshire's 1st District, offered his respect and condolences in a statement:

"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."

Governor-elect Maggie Hassan offered the following statement: 

"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."

U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who currently holds Rudman's seat, stated the following: 

“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.”

Ray Buckley, the chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, said his thoughts go out to Rudman's family: 

"I was saddened this morning to learn of the passing of former Senator Warren Rudman. Senator Rudman was a tireless public servant throughout his decades-long career which included service in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving as New Hampshire's Attorney General and as then as United States Senator. Senator Rudman will be deeply missed by the people of the Granite State and by all those his service touched. My thoughts are with his family at this time."

Former U.S. Sen. Gordon Humphrey, a colleague of Rudman's in the Senate, offered the following thoughts about his passing:

"Senator Rudman had a reputation for a toughness, and tough he was in some matters, but underneath he was a likable guy, and I enjoyed serving ten years with him in the United States Senate. We had an excellent personal and professional relationship. He served our state and our nation well, and I am saddened at his death."

New Hampshire Republican State Committee Chairman Wayne MacDonald released the following statement in response to the passing of Rudman.

"With Senator Rudman's passing, we have lost a great public servant. Sen. Rudman's distinguished career ranks him among the finest U.S. Senators in New Hampshire history. Of his many legislative successes, the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Balanced Budget Act is the most notable as bi-partisan legislation that served the core principles of the Republican Party. In addition to his U.S. Senate service, he proudly served our nation in the Army during the Korean War, and later as New Hampshire's Attorney General. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as we enter the holiday season."