Proxmire, RIP

Damn ...

Former Wisconsin Senator William Proxmire has died this morning at the age of 90.

Proxmire served in the U-S Senate from 1957 to 1989, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Showing fierce tenacity during his 32-year career, Proxmire was known for his maverick tendencies and his populist fights.

The Democrat used his trademark "Golden Fleece Awards" to spotlight examples of wasteful government spending. He was also highly critical of President Reagan's tax cuts and the massive federal debt of the early '80s.

A panel of historians and writers named him one of the top 20 most significant Wisconsin figures of the 20th century.

Proxmire is survived by his second wife Ellen Hodges Sawall and nine grandchildren.

UPDATE: The majors have their bios up: NY Times ... Washington Post