Former US Senator and Florida Governor Bob Graham passes away at the age of 87 – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic

Former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor Bob Graham Dies at 87

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Bob Graham, a former U.S. Senator and two-term Florida Governor, passed away at the age of 87. Known for his national prominence as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks, Graham was also an early critic of the Iraq war.

Graham’s family announced his death on Tuesday in a statement posted by his daughter Gwen Graham. Throughout his political career, Graham served three terms in the Senate and made an unsuccessful bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, focusing on his opposition to the Iraq invasion.

A man of many quirks, Graham was known for his “workdays” political gimmick, where he spent a day doing various jobs to connect with voters. He kept meticulous diaries, noting every detail of his daily life, but closed them to the media during his presidential bid to avoid distractions.

Graham was among the earliest opponents of the Iraq war, criticizing President George W. Bush for the lack of an occupation plan in Iraq. He believed that the war was a distraction created by the Bush administration and launched his presidential bid to address these concerns.

Despite his political achievements, Graham remained humble and connected to the people of Florida. He was widely popular with voters, winning re-election by wide margins and focusing on issues like education and environmental protection.

After leaving public life in 2005, Graham continued his work in public policy and education, advocating for more civics classes in schools. He was also selected to investigate the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

Bob Graham’s legacy as a dedicated public servant and advocate for the people of Florida will be remembered for years to come.