Lloyd Bentsen, former Senator & Treasury Secretary, 85
Posted: Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 5:15 pm| |
(CNN) — Lloyd Bentsen, a former congressman, senator and treasury secretary, is dead, his family told CNN on Tuesday.
The 85-year-old Texan died of natural causes at 8:45 a.m. (9:45 a.m. ET) at his home in Houston surrounded by family, son Lan Bentsen said.
Bentsen had been in poor health since suffering a stroke in 1999, his son said.
Bentsen served as President Clinton’s first treasury secretary.
As the Democratic 1988 vice presidential nominee, Bentsen was perhaps best known for his curt dismissal during a debate against Republican candidate Dan Quayle, who had compared himself to former President John Kennedy.
“Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy,” Bentsen said. “I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy.” … Read full obituary