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Politicians reflect on death of Sen. Howard Baker

FILE - This Nov. 9, 1979 file photo shows three members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, from left, Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., Sen. Howard Baker, R-Tenn., and Sen. Charles Percy, R-Ill discussing the vote in favor of the SALT II treaty, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Baker, who asked what President Richard Nixon knew about Watergate, has died. He was 88. Baker, a Republican, served 18 years in the Senate. He earned the respect of Republicans and Democrats alike and rose to the post of majority leader. He served as White House chief of staff at the end of the Reagan administration and was U.S. ambassador to Japan during President George W. Bush's first term. (AP Photo/Charles W. Harrity, File)
FILE - This Nov. 9, 1979 file photo shows three members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, from left, Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., Sen. Howard Baker, R-Tenn., and Sen. Charles Percy, R-Ill discussing the vote in favor of the SALT II treaty, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Baker, who asked what President Richard Nixon knew about Watergate, has died. He was 88. Baker, a Republican, served 18 years in the Senate. He earned the respect of Republicans and Democrats alike and rose to the post of majority leader. He served as White House chief of staff at the end of the Reagan administration and was U.S. ambassador to Japan during President George W. Bush's first term. (AP Photo/Charles W. Harrity, File) FILE - This Nov. 9, 1979 file photo shows three members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, from left, Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., Sen. Howard Baker, R-Tenn., and Sen. Charles Percy, R-Ill discussing the vote in favor of the SALT II treaty, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Baker, who asked what President Richard Nixon knew about Watergate, has died. He was 88. Baker, a Republican, served 18 years in the Senate. He earned the respect of Republicans and Democrats alike and rose to the post of majority leader. He served as White House chief of staff at the end of the Reagan administration and was U.S. ambassador to Japan during President George W. Bush's first term. (AP Photo/Charles W. Harrity, File)

By Associated Press 2 min read

Politicians across the nation are reacting to the death of former U.S. Sen. Howard Baker, who famously asked President Richard Nixon regarding the Watergate scandal, “What did the president know and when did he know it?”

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“He was my friend, my mentor and my colleague in the Senate. Howard was involved in countless endeavors, most importantly as a proud representative of Tennessee in Congress. He was a Republican Leader who got things done by working with both parties when it was the right thing to do. Howard has left a lasting imprint on civility in politics.” – Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole.

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“When I think of the ultimate statesman, the very first person who comes to my mind is Howard Baker. Howard Baker was one of those people who had the unique ability to bring out the very best in those around him.” – U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.

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“Howard Baker was Tennessee’s favorite son, one of America’s finest leaders and for Honey and me an indispensable friend. He built our state’s two-party political system and inspired three generations to try to build a better state and country. It is difficult to express how much we honor his life and how much we will miss him.” – U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., who worked as Baker’s first legislative assistant in 1967 and 1968.

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“… His service was marked by a courtly, civil, and respectful style that won him friends and admirers on both sides of the aisle. His example – his ability to fight for principle, and disagree without being disagreeable – will continue to inspire us as we honor his life and memory.” – House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.