Lee Hamilton, a former longtime member of Indiana's congressional delegation and a champion of bipartisanship, has died at the age of 94, according to Indiana University.
“Few public servants have shaped our understanding of democracy, global engagement, and principled leadership as profoundly as Lee Hamilton," IU President Pam Whitten wrote in a statement marking his passing. "His lifelong commitment to public service reflects the very best of our democratic ideals and left an enduring impact on our nation. ... We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and remain profoundly grateful for his service to Indiana University and the country.”
Hamilton served for 34 years as a Democratic member of the U.S. House, forging deep friendships across the aisle with Republicans including the late Indiana U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar.
His daughter, Deborah Kremer, confirmed the news of his death to The New York Times, which reported he died Tuesday at his home in Bloomington, Indiana.
After his retirement from Congress, he went into academia, working as a professor and distinguished scholar at Indiana University, serving as an expert on representative democracy, foreign policy and national security, according to the university.
