They Don’t Make Them Like Lowell Weicker Anymore

On Wednesday night, I spoke on the Senate floor to remember the life and legacy of my friend, Lowell Weicker. There is no Connecticut political figure who has played a greater role in my life. I was 17 years old when he bucked both parties and called for the passage of an income tax to solve a massive state fiscal crisis. At that age, I'm sure I knew very little about the wisdom of an income tax, but I remember being stunned that a political leader would champion something he knew to be unpopular simply because he believed it was the right thing. It ran contrary to every stereotype I had been spoon-fed about politics, and it confirmed for me that there could be honor in pursuing a career in public service.

Throughout his long, storied tenure as an elected official, for most of that time a Republican and later as an Independent, he led life by one simple axiom: do what is right.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to learn about one of the most consequential leaders in Connecticut history. They don't make them like Lowell Weicker anymore.