A champion for agriculture, former Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana passed away Sunday. Farmers for Free Trade Co-Chair Max Baucus, a former Senator from Montana, says Luger ?leaves behind an unmatched legacy of bipartisan achievement? on agriculture and foreign policy. Luger, a Republican, served as U.S. Senator representing Indiana from 1977 to 2013. He twice served as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Upon leaving office, Lugar created The Lugar Center which focuses on global food security, and other international issues. Former President Barack Obama called Lugar a problem solver, calling him ?an example a public servant can make? by focusing on common ground. Vice President Mike Pence of Indiana called Luger a friend, saying his ?contributions to the life of our nation are countless.? Luger, 87, was surrounded by family during his passing following a short illness in a hospital.
