Bob Graham, former US senator and governor of Florida, has died at the age of 87. He was known for his leadership of the Senate Intelligence Committee following the 2001 terrorist attacks and for being an early critic of the Iraq War.
His bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination was unsuccessful, in part due to heart surgery that delayed his campaign.
Graham was known for his "work days", where he would spend a day doing various jobs, and for keeping a meticulous diary. He was a strong opponent of the Iraq War, criticizing George W. Bush for diverting attention from the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and for not having an occupation plan in Iraq.
During his 18 years in Washington, Graham worked well with colleagues from both parties.
His political career spanned five decades, beginning with his election to the Florida House of Representatives in 1966. He was very popular among Florida voters, winning re-election by wide margins in 1992 and 1998.
Graham was born on November 9, 1936 in Coral Gables. In 1966 he was elected to the Florida Legislature, where he focused primarily on education and health care issues.
As governor, he signed numerous death warrants, founded the Save the Manatee Club, and led efforts to establish several environmental programs.
After leaving public life in 2005, Graham spent much of his time at a public policy center named after him at the University of Florida.
He was one of five members selected for an independent commission by President Barack Obama in 2010 to investigate a massive BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.