A former all star GOP senator from Virginia who played a key role in shaping military affairs legislation has passed away from heart failure at 94 years old.
Former Senator John Warner passed away with his wife and daughter by his side, at his home in Alexandria, Virginia. His chief of staff, Carter Cornick, announced his death soon after.
“He was frail but had a lot of spirit until his last days,” Warner’s longtime chief of staff Susan A. Magill told The Associated Press.
Warner, who had been married to Elizabeth Taylor from 1976 to 1982, was a highly respected lawmaker on both sides of the aisle thanks to his consensus building and hard work. He was also one of the few World War II veterans who served in the Senate, which led him to serve as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The Virginia senator served for five terms, and left office in 2009. During the debate about Democrats’ plan to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq in 2007, he led Republicans in opposing the withdrawal, stating: “What we have on the line is the credibility of the United States of America.”
One year later, as George W. Bush’s administration was proposing a troop “surge” in Iraq, Warner felt differently, asking: “Have we not fulfilled our commitment to the Iraqi people?”
“The reason I’m into this situation so deeply is that I feel that the American citizens have given so generously with their sons and daughters,” he noted.
Warner was also well-known for co-sponsoring a bill banning the torture of suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay alongside Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham.
One of Warner’s most famous quotes was about working together across the aisle, despite disagreements. “When I began serving, 3/4ths of my colleagues were military veterans. We had political disagreements and fought on the Senate floor. But at day’s end, we shared a drink, talked as friends, and we found common cause, solving problems and serving the American public,” he said.
After leaving office, he was succeeded by Democrat Senator Mark Warner, no relation.
Lawmakers, including Mark Warner, have released heartfelt statements reacting to the news of his passing.
“In Virginia, we expect a lot of our elected officials. We expect them to lead, yet remain humble. We expect them to serve, but with dignity. We expect them to fight for what they believe in, but without making it personal,” Mark Warner’s statement read.
“John Warner was the embodiment of all that and more,” he added. “I firmly believe that we could use more role models like him today.”
I'm devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend John Warner. To me, he was the gold standard in Virginia. I will forever be grateful for his friendship and mentorship. I'll miss you, John. pic.twitter.com/5CFaEIEuSm
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) May 26, 2021
Another Virginia Democrat, Senator Tim Kaine, referred to Warner as an “unmatched leader” and a “dear friend.”
“Not having John Warner to go to for advice leaves a big hole in my life. But we can all celebrate a public servant who stood on principle, made us proud, and exemplified the best of what politics can be,” Kaine wrote in a statement.
I am stunned at the loss of John Warner. Virginia has lost an unmatched leader, and my family has lost a dear friend. My condolences go out to Jeanne and the entire Warner family. pic.twitter.com/j3GQj29Fkm
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) May 26, 2021
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham also tweeted about Warner’s passing, writing: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of former Senator John Warner of Virginia. As a Navy veteran and former Secretary of the Navy, he was one of the strongest supporters of the U.S. military.”
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of former Senator John Warner of Virginia.
As a Navy veteran and former Secretary of the Navy, he was one of the strongest supporters of the U.S. military. https://t.co/JCybZa5KeF
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) May 26, 2021