Senator Joseph Lieberman meant so much to so many.

He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was a senator and a statesman. He was the founding chairman and moral center of the No Labels movement.

His unexpected passing is a profound loss for all of us.

Senator Lieberman was a singular figure in American political life who always put his country before party. He was a deeply principled and pragmatic leader who believed public service was a privilege and who dedicated his life to the betterment of others. As a four-term senator, he led passage of transformative bipartisan legislation that made America’s air and water cleaner, that made us safer after 9/11, and that expanded equality and opportunity for all. 

But Senator Lieberman’s legislative record – as impressive as it is – can’t begin to tell the story of his impact on America’s public life. He was a man of uncommon integrity who did the right things for the right reasons. As American politics became progressively coarser and angrier, Senator Lieberman was unfailingly civil and decent to political allies and opponents alike.

Soon after he departed the Senate, No Labels had the good fortune to welcome him into our movement. During his many years leading No Labels, we were all blessed by his wisdom and counsel as well as his kindness and humor. Senator Lieberman believed passionately in No Labels’ work to unite our divided country. He believed in us and that helped all of us at No Labels believe in ourselves.

Senator Lieberman leaves behind a void that cannot be filled. But we are honored to have known him and we hope his family can find comfort in the difficult days ahead knowing the tremendous impact that he had.