Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester both issued statements after the passing of their Democratic colleague, Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. Inouye passed away from respiratory complications on Dec. 17 at the age of 88.
Inouye was elected to the House of Representatives in 1959 and then entered the Senate in 1963. Baucus has been in the Senate since 1978, meaning the two senators served together for more than three decades.
Baucus called Inouye a “true American hero” and Tester referred to him as “a friend and a mentor.”
Baucus:
“Danny Inouye was a true American hero if there ever were one. Our country is a better place because of his dedication to service, and his legacy of patriotism and leadership will inspire generations to come. Mel and I send our deepest condolences to his wife Irene, his family and all the people of Hawaii.”
Tester:
“There will only be one Danny Inouye. His tremendous career in public service stretched across eight decades during which he shaped the future of Hawaii and the United States. Danny was a friend and a mentor, and I will miss his wisdom, his courage, and the inspiration he provided every day. Sharla and I will keep his wife Irene and his entire family in our thoughts and prayers.”