Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) died in a plane crash Monday night near Dillingham, Alaska. The 86-year-old former Alaska senator served on Capitol Hill from December 1968 until January 2009.
“A decorated World War II pilot who survived a deadly 1978 plane crash, he was the longest-serving GOP senator in history and spent his 40-year Senate career bringing billions of federal dollars home,” the Associated Press reported. “One failed effort — the infamous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ — became part of his national legacy, as did convictions that helped foil his 2008 campaign but were later tossed out.”

“Senator Stevens’ life was dedicated to Alaska and her people, and he will be remembered for his untiring efforts to build the 49th state over his many decades of public service,” Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell said in a press release posted on the state’s Web site. “Known as the ‘Lion of the Senate,’ he was also a distinguished patriot dedicating his life to America and constitutional principles. Senator Stevens was a father, a grandfather, a husband, and a personal friend to countless Alaskans. We will miss him greatly.”
How will you remember the longtime politician? Join the Community discussion about the crash, which also killed four other people and injured others including ex-NASA chief Sean O’Keefe.