The following statement was issued by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, following the death on Wednesday of former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, a Democrat and independent from Connecticut, at age 82. DeWine, a Republican,  and Lieberman served together in the Senate for 12 years:

Fran and I were saddened to learn of the death of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut. 

Joe was a Senate colleague who put country over party. He cared deeply about our country and the people he served.  He was a man of great integrity.    I was proud to work together with Joe on a number of issues including legislation to combat underage drinking on college campuses.  

He was a good man, who lived his faith.  He was the first Jewish nominee for vice president, and he exhibited graciousness in defeat when the 2000 election was called for the Bush-Cheney ticket.

Fran and I send our condolences to Hadassah and their entire family. May Joe’s memory be a blessing.