Ex-Governor and Senator, Key Figure in Watergate Hearings, Passes at 92.

Former Governor and Senator Who Played Big Role in Watergate Hearings Dies at Age 92

Lowell P. Weicker Jr., a Republican U.S. senator who fearlessly challenged his own party during the Watergate hearings, fought for the rights of people with disabilities, and later served as an independent governor of Connecticut, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92.

Weicker’s family confirmed his death at a hospital in Middletown, Connecticut, following a brief illness.

With his towering 6-foot-6-inch frame and outspoken style, Weicker was a prominent figure in Connecticut politics for over three decades. From his first election to the General Assembly in 1962 to his decision not to seek a second term as governor in 1994, he left an indelible mark on the state.

“I think he was just incredibly genuine, a little unfiltered,” said Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat and a friend of Weicker. “And we sort of miss that in this day and age with the teleprompter.”

During his single term as governor, which began in 1990, Weicker implemented significant changes in Connecticut. He restructured the state’s revenue system, despite facing strong opposition, and played a key role in bringing casino gambling to eastern Connecticut through a compact with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

Nationally, Weicker gained prominence during the Senate’s special committee hearings on Watergate in 1973. As one of the three Republicans on the seven-member panel, he fearlessly criticized President Richard Nixon, his own party, and the attempted cover-up.

In his autobiography “Maverick: A Life in Politics,” Weicker revealed that he didn’t join the committee to be an “anti-Nixon man” or a “tough prosecutor.” He acknowledged his political support for Nixon and how Nixon campaigned for him in the past. However, as the scandal unfolded, Weicker became increasingly convinced of the corruption within the Nixon White House.

Barry Sussman, a former Washington Post editor who worked with Weicker on his autobiography, praised him for taking the Watergate scandal more seriously than his Senate colleagues and for investigating whether Nixon underreported his income.

Weicker’s political career began in 1962 when he was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives. He later served in the U.S. House of Representatives and then moved up to the U.S. Senate.

In addition to his involvement in the Watergate hearings, Weicker played a crucial role in passing the War Powers Act and advocating for the rights of the mentally ill. He also introduced legislation that eventually became the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In 1990, Weicker made history as the first independent governor of Connecticut since the Civil War. He formed a new independent political party called A Connecticut Party.

Weicker’s contributions were recognized when he received the Profiles in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in 1992.

After deciding not to seek a second term as governor, Weicker cited family and financial reasons for his choice. He wanted to spend more time with his loved ones and earn more money than the governor’s annual salary at the time.

Although he considered running for president as an independent in 1996, Weicker declined an offer from former wrestler and Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura to run for the Reform Party nomination in 1999.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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