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Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Reaction to the passing of Sen. Rod Grams

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(MPR Photo/Bob Kelleher)

Former Sen. Rod Grams died at his home Tuesday night in the east-central Minnesota town of Crown.

The former TV news anchor served one term in the U.S. House, followed by a single term in the Senate.

Minnesota leaders across the political spectrum have been offering condolences. Here are some of their statements:

Gov. Mark Dayton

"Minnesota mourns the passing of former United States Congressman and Senator Rod Grams. Senator Grams served our state with great distinction, as a member of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. After his return to Minnesota, he continued to be active and influential in civic and political affairs, right up to the end of his life. On behalf of our state's grateful citizens, I extend my deepest sympathies to the Senator's family and friends."

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar

"Rod Grams devoted his life to the people of Minnesota. From his time as a broadcaster to his service in the Senate, Rod remained humble and committed to serving his community and state. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, and I know he will be missed."

Minnesota House Republican Minority Leader Kurt Daudt

"Senator Grams was not just a friend and neighbor, but he was a dedicated public servant that will be greatly missed in Minnesota. He was a strong leader for our state, and a mentor to me and many other candidates, legislators and public officials over the years.  Senator Grams lived just a mile from my farm in Crown -- this is a great loss for our community as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Grams and his family."

State Rep. Kurt Zellers, R-Maple Grove

"Senator Grams was one of the most thoughtful, principled and kind-hearted public servants the State of Minnesota has ever known. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends.  I was honored to have the opportunity to work with Rod during his time in the Senate. He conducted himself with class and respect for both allies and opponents. After his time in elected office, he reengaged in broadcasting and his community. His is a legacy of significant public and private service to the state and nation he deeply loved."

Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Keith Downey

"Minnesota lost a great leader and a principled conservative yesterday with the passing of former U.S. Senator Rod Grams. Grams served as a Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1993-94 and in the U.S. Senate from 1995-2001.  Senator Grams focused his time in Washington on the size and scope of the federal government and will be remembered for his principled stands on the issues facing Congress throughout the 1990s. But he will also be remembered for his pleasant smile and easy going demeanor that allowed him to work with people on both sides of the political spectrum for the good of Minnesota and the country.   Grams was a true friend of the Republican Party of Minnesota and never turned down a request from a candidate to help their campaign.  We will miss Rod and his service to our state, and send our condolences to his wife Chris and their family. "

Minnesota DFL Chairman Ken Martin

"Minnesotans are saddened to hear of the death of former TV anchor, U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator Rod Grams. Sen. Grams exemplifies how in Minnesota, people from humble beginnings can step up, get involved in politics and make a difference. He will be remembered for his years of service to our state."

U.S. Sen. Al Franken

“Franni and I were saddened to hear Minnesota lost Rod Grams, a dedicated public servant. Sen. Grams was one of the many who represented our great state on the Senate floor with dignity and pride. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”