Words of praise and remembrance are coming from all across Indiana as political and government figures offer their thoughts on the passing of U.S. Senator Ricard Lugar.
“As a boss, a mentor, and a person, Richard Lugar was the gold standard. At a time when nuclear proliferation was civilization’s greatest threat, Senator Lugar helped save the world. He leaves a legacy as an exemplar of wisdom, civility, and bipartisanship. Always staying true to his temperament, he was a quiet, dignified statesman. He thought before he spoke. He emphasized substance over personality. In short, he set the bar for public leaders — and for leaders more generally. I’m not sure we will ever see another Richard Lugar, but I pray that we do. May God watch over him and his family.”
- U.S. Senator Todd Young
“Senator Richard Lugar is a towering figure in Hoosier history and one of the greatest statesmen ever to serve in the U.S. Senate. As our longest serving Senator, he worked tirelessly with leaders across the globe to better the state and the country he loved.”
- U.S. Senator Mike Braun
“The world weeps alongside Indiana after just learning we lost one of our best, ever. As an always faithful servant to the highest ideals in every walk of his incredible life, Richard Lugar ran the family farm, charted a new innovative course for Indiana’s capital city, and devoted a record six terms as a U.S. Senator to making the world a more prosperous and peaceful place. He was an officer and gentleman, father and faith leader, a Mayor and Senator, a diplomat and legendary role model to millions. Janet and I are keeping Mrs. Lugar and their wonderful family in our prayers and ask all those touched by his service to join us.”
- Governor Eric Holcomb
“Senator Richard Lugar was a true statesman whose decency and commitment to public service represented the very best of our state of Indiana and the nation. As both mayor and senator, he demonstrated a unique ability to bring people together and forge coalitions to accomplish big things, particularly in foreign policy. I was honored to serve with Senator Lugar and to call him a friend. Marsha and I extend our deepest condolences to the entire Lugar family.”
- Daniel R. Coats, Director of National Intelligence
“Words are hard to come by right now. Dick Lugar was not just the finest public servant I will ever know, he was the finest person. He embodied all we can hope for in our leaders: brilliance of mind, purity of motive, stainless in character, tireless in the pursuit of duty. Incomparably knowledgeable about the world, he was first and always a patriot, utterly dedicated to the security and wellbeing of his fellow Americans. His voice is now silent, but he is still with us. Indianapolis is a thriving and vibrant city because of him. The world is safer from nuclear danger because of him. And so many of us, while falling far short of the standards he set, are vastly better people because of him.”
- Former Indiana Governor and Purdue University President Mitch Daniels
“Senator Lugar was an institution, a policymaker and true advocate for the state of Indiana. His work in Congress remains unparalleled. His political power influenced those around him, including myself. I first was inspired to enter politics in 1982, when I worked for him on his campaign trail. I know countless individuals who are in the leadership positions they are today, because of Senator Lugar. I join the country in mourning the incredible loss we have incurred, along with his family. Indiana would not be the state it is without him, and we are forever in his debt.”
- Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch
“Today, Indianapolis mourns the loss of a native Hoosier and American statesman who changed the face of our city and embodied the heart of our nation. Senator Lugar’s career is rightfully characterized by his time in the United States Senate and his outstanding leadership on matters of foreign security and international diplomacy. But he began his public life as a member of the Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners, before becoming a visionary mayor who embraced the transformative potential of local government. He understood that progress could only occur when good ideas and good people came together — from all sides of the political landscape. And he demonstrated a commitment to country over party, community over self, that is almost unparalleled in today’s polarized world. It is my hope that Senator Lugar’s legacy will live on within the highest echelons of public policy as well as the corridors of city-county government. We owe that to him. Steph and I join the people of Indianapolis in expressing our deepest condolences to Charlene and the Lugar family during this difficult time.”
- Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett
“I am saddened to learn today of Senator Lugar’s passing. His life was one of integrity and unshakable commitment to public service, and his legacy—here in Indianapolis and around the world—will be one of bipartisanship and cooperation for the public good. Senator Lugar has inspired many. As Mayor, he worked to modernize our City’s government to capture economic opportunities for Hoosiers. As Chair of the Armed Forces Committee in the Senate, he envisioned a world without nuclear weapons, working with America’s allies and enemies to bring that world into being. And as a statesman, he championed the idea that a leader’s first responsibility is to apply one’s best judgment without regard to party or partisanship. His accomplishments aside, I think what we Hoosiers will miss the most about Senator Lugar was the civility and respectfulness that defined not just his career in public service, but his life. We mourn today with Char and their sons the passing not of the legend but of the man himself: Eagle Scout, Navy veteran, Mayor, Senator, scholar, statesman, Hoosier. We are blessed to have called him one of our own.”
- Vop Osili, Indianapolis City-County Council President
“Former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar was a consummate statesman and respected leader of our city, state and nation. His legacy of bipartisan coalition building and ultimately international arms control will live on for generations. We are beyond grateful for his lifetime of service, and will continue to keep his family in our prayers.”
- House Speaker Brian Bosma
“Richard Lugar was a giant of Hoosier public service whose tremendous impact on our state and nation will be felt for many years to come. Sen. Lugar was a role model for so many of us because of his commitment to civility and bipartisanship, and his passing is truly a loss for our state and country as a whole. “I join the Lugar family and all Hoosiers in mourning the loss of our beloved statesman.”
- Senate President Pro Tempore Rod Bray
“Indiana and all America will miss the gentle wisdom of Sen. Dick Lugar. As a public servant, he was a model of civility and statesmanship. We can only hope that new generations of leaders will demonstrate such a combination of character and intellectual capacity.
- Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Former U.S. Senator Richard Lugar. Senator Lugar’s legacy will live on for decades to come. He was a champion for women in politics and often said that democracy was not a spectator sport. Zach and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family.”
- State Auditor Tera Klutz
“Like countless other people, I’m struggling with my emotions and sense of loss. There was no one like Dick Lugar, and it’s really hard to imagine the world without him. He never let us down — not the city, state, nation or world. The tributes will be pouring in and he deserves every one of them. I had the privilege to see the Senator and Char about a month ago at an exhibit for his papers — from school board to his current service at the Lugar Center. He was as gracious in manner and insightful in perspective as ever. I was able to tell him — again — that other than my faith and family, nothing has had more of an impact on my life than the inspiration he provided. The sadness I’m experiencing is tempered by the gratitude all of us should feel for his life and selfless service.”
- Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers
“Our hearts go out to the family of Senator Richard Lugar. He was a Shortridge High School alum, who also served on the IPS Board of School Commissioners as Board Vice President, and fought for the desegregation of schools and student equity. The state of Indiana has lost a true champion and he will be missed.”
- Indianapolis Public Schools
“I’m extremely saddened by news of the passing of Senator Richard Lugar, a true statesman whose decades of public service left an indelible mark on Indiana, our nation and our world. I’m praying for his loved ones. He was a brilliant scholar, a brave member of our armed forces, and a dedicated public servant who championed people and principle over party. His commitment to good governance and diplomacy, particularly his tireless efforts on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made our world a better, safer place. He won the respect of people across the political spectrum and earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama – our nation’s highest civilian honor. In our increasingly divided society, everyone must ensure his legacy lives on by pledging to advance the Hoosier values of bipartisanship and cooperation that defined his life.”
- Congressman Andre Carson
“Today we lost a great man. Senator Richard Lugar dedicated his life to making the world a better and safer place. “Senator Lugar was a veteran, Mayor of Indianapolis and the longest tenured Member of Congress to serve from Indiana who served Hoosiers with integrity and honor. He navigated foreign policy matters adeptly, leaving a safer world because of his work. He earned a Medal of Freedom for successfully convincing the former Soviet Union to dismantle their weapons at the end of the Cold War. Senator Lugar worked brilliantly not only on security issues, but also on those that impacted Americans every day, including food security and global hunger, education for young people, energy independence and free trade. But no matter the topic at hand, he always made time for the next generation, to teach and inspire young Hoosiers to serve their country, and to remind all of us that we have more in common as Americans than we do differences. “It was an honor to be selected by him to serve as United States Attorney and we will miss his wisdom dearly, but his legacy will endure for generations to come. Please join me in sending our deepest condolences to the Lugar family during this time of reflection and sadness.”
- Congresswoman Susan Brooks
“Senator Richard Lugar was a Hoosier statesman without equal who worked tirelessly for peace, prosperity, and freedom at home and abroad. His wisdom, bipartisanship, and commitment to American ideals made our country stronger and the world safer. We mourn his loss, but we know his legacy will endure in those who follow his example of servant leadership. Dean and I join all Hoosiers praying for the Lugar family.”
- U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski
“Dick Lugar is a giant in the hearts and minds of Hoosiers and all who served with him during his career in public service and record-setting tenure in the Senate. His selfless service and tireless advocacy on behalf of the state and nation we both love inspired many to follow his footsteps into public service. I had the privilege to spend a fair amount of time with him since being elected to Congress and will treasure the counsel and encouragement he provided. The world is a better place because of Sen. Lugar and he will be missed immensely. Amanda and I send our prayers and condolences to the Lugar family, and all those who are mourning his loss.”
- Congressman Jim Banks
“Today as Hoosiers and Americans, we mourn the loss of Richard Lugar, the ultimate statesman who leaves an immeasurable impact on the city of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, our nation and our globe. Lugar was a Hoosier who dedicated his life to making the world a better a place, starting in his own hometown by ushering in a new era of modern government for Indianapolis. He brought new life to Indiana’s capital city, with a visionary approach that catalyzed new growth and opportunity for the region. But Richard Lugar’s impact is felt by all Americans and all people who are safe today because of his commitment to security and nuclear disarmament during the Cold War. As a U.S. Senator, Richard Lugar reduced the threat of nuclear weapons in the former Soviet Union through the Nunn-Lugar Act. His leadership in foreign relations was unparalleled. Serving Hoosiers for nearly four decades — the longest serving U.S. Senator in Indiana’s history — when Richard Lugar spoke, you listened. His words carried immense weight and were always backed with knowledge and insight. Outside the Senate, Richard Lugar is also responsible for inspiring generations of Hoosier and American leaders who follow him. In particular, his leadership in helping get more women involved in public service through the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series is a legacy that will continue here in Indiana as more than 2,000 women have now completed the program. Through it all, Richard Lugar led with a humble spirit that represented our state and our people with honor. He was a farmer, a mayor, a senator, a visionary, a leader, but most importantly, a Hoosier. We express our deepest condolences to Char and his family, and we thank them for sharing Richard Lugar with the world.”
- Kyle Kupfer, Indiana Republican Party Chairman
“Indiana has lost a leading diplomat, a man who steadfastly believed in the power of dialogue and bipartisanship. Richard Lugar’s achievements were grounded in a clear-eyed approach that valued facts over rhetoric. His voice was never the loudest but his word meant something. Ultimately, his resolve and integrity made the world a safer place and is proof diplomacy can break down any wall.”
- John Zody, Indiana Democratic Party Chairman
“Senator Lugar’s intelligence and knowledge of the most important issues that impacted our nation, along with his thoughtfulness and diplomatic approach, came through in everything he did. His love for his family farm and understanding of agriculture issues made him a true friend and advocate for Hoosier farmers. He will be missed.”
- Randy Kron, Indiana Farm Bureau President:
“Richard Lugar was the ultimate public servant and bipartisan leader. His impacts will be felt for generations to come in Indianapolis, our state, our nation and globally. He was an invaluable mentor to myself and thousands of others.”
- Indiana Chamber CEO Kevin Brinegar
“We deeply mourn the passing of Senator Richard Lugar, whose contributions to the progress and well-being of Hoosiers are simply unmatched. Senator Lugar’s dedication to nutrition programs that help Americans at risk of hunger will leave a legacy of service that define an era of compassionate care for the neediest amongst us. “His advocacy for school lunch as Mayor of Indianapolis continued into his work in Congress with his championing of federal nutrition programs. Our condolences to Senator Lugar’s wife Char, his family and friends during this time of grief and loss.”
- Emily Weikert Bryant, Executive Director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry.
