HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman:

“Connecticut is shocked by Senator Lieberman’s sudden passing. In an era of political carbon copies, Joe Lieberman was a singularity. He fit into no political box. He defied party orthodoxy. He simply did what he believed to be right for the country and what was right for the state he adored. His work to combat climate change, repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, create the Department of Homeland Security, and protect abortion access propelled our nation forward. He sometimes frustrated members of both parties, but that was mostly because he refused to be defined by partisanship. I learned a lot from Joe Lieberman and I’m honored to succeed him in the Senate. My thoughts are with Hadassah and his entire family.”

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