Former Connecticut Governor and Greenwich resident, Lowell P. Weicker passed away Wednesday at the age of 92 after a short illness. He served in or represented Connecticut throughout 30 years in public life.
In the 1960s, as a Republican, Weicker was elected as Greenwich’s First Selectman. He also served as State Representative in the 154th House District from 1963-1969.
He then served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives, before becoming a Connecticut’s last Republican US Senator in 1971, where he served until 1989.
Weicker unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for president in 1980. He was one of the first Republican members of Congress to express concerns about President Richard Nixon’s role in the Watergate scandal and developed a reputation as a Rockefeller Republican.
For his political comeback, he ran successfully for Governor as an independent, founding a third party, “A Connecticut Party.” He took office in 1991 and served for four years.
When campaigning, Weicker had opposed an income tax, but Connecticut was in a recession at the time and he proposed a personal income tax nonetheless as part of his 1992 budget package.
Governor Ned Lamont announced on Wednesday he was directing U.S. and State of Connecticut flags to half-staff in honor of the former Governor.
“Lowell and Claudia have been great friends to Annie and me for many years, and I am grateful for the counsel and advice that he provided. He truly cared about implementing policies that improve Connecticut for the better, and I admire his independent way of leading,” Lamont said.
“Lowell never ducked a tough battle, absolutely convinced that he was right, and he usually was. He was always bigger than life, and he always will be. On behalf of the people of the State of Connecticut, I thank Governor Weicker and his entire family for everything they have provided our state. Annie and I extend our deepest sympathies.”
“Connecticut has lost a legendary, larger than life, and lionhearted leader,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “He became a public figure as a member of the Senate Watergate Committee, where he became the first Republican senator to call for Richard Nixon’s resignation. His political courage was inspiring as he guided Connecticut through difficult financial times, ushering in measures that would help our state to build a more sustainable future.”
“A fiercely independent minded individual, Lowell was unafraid to speak his mind – he didn’t sugarcoat things or fear an unpopular decision. He did and said what he believed was right. Lowell exemplified what it meant to lead with compassion and empathy, but also a clear toughness. Throughout the years, he’s remained a mentor to me and so many others. The governor and I will miss his advice and wise counsel. Our hearts go out to his wife Claudia and their family.”
“Governor Weicker was a courageous and tenacious statesman—a titan of Connecticut,” said Attorney General Tong and Deputy Attorney General Eileen Meskill in a statement. “He was never afraid to make the hard decisions—even when speaking truth to power put him at odds with his own party and allies, and when doing the necessary thing came with great professional cost. We are of two generations who came of age under Lowell Weicker’s dominance in state and national politics. His outsized leadership shaped so many here in Connecticut—particularly in the strong partnership he had with Eileen’s father Governor Meskill. The Meskill family is tremendously grateful for his support and belief in Governor Meskill through every step in his career, especially through his difficult judicial confirmation. Our thoughts are with his family now.”