Sen. John Chafee

The unexpected death of Sen. John Chafee, Republican of Rhode Island, was a sad loss for his home state, the nation generally and for Maine, which benefited from this longtime summer resident’s vision, compassion and understanding of the region.

Sen. Chafee, who had announced his intention to retire at the end of his fourth term next year, brought with him to the Senate not only a sharp mind, sharp wit and experience as governor and secretary of the Navy, but a firm belief in the power of government to do good. In this, he differed from party leaders at the end of his career, cut short Sunday by heart failure. At age 77, he stood out more and more for what is now called moderation or compassionate conservatism, but for many years preceding was simply characterized as caring about the people he governed. That is an obvious, though unfortunately rare trait these days, and it often put him at odds with more acerbic party members.

On issues such as education, the environment, welfare and health care, Sen. Chafee crafted positions that brought politicians together, that brought honor to the Senate and kept the public’s faith in government. He was a leader when it counted, quieter when Washington was yappng from pure reflex and charming at all times.

Maine’s Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, who also fall into that narrow band of Republicans who are not on a crusade to tear apart government, have lost a good friend in Sen. Chafee. Sen. Snowe commented that, “The Senate will not be the same without him, but I know his voice will echo in the debates of the future.” Said Sen. Collins, “He was my best friend in the Senate and his wisdom and friendship were gifts that I will forever treasure. I will miss him dearly.”

Sen. Chafee had been a summertime Sorrento resident all his life. The Chafees, in fact, have been coming to Maine since the senator’s grandfather arrived in 1896 for a vacation. The senator’s father was born here and one member or another has lived here ever since. Sen. Chafee occasionally referred to himself as the third senator from Maine.

His service to Maine and the nation was enormous. He will be missed for the issues he championed and, more so, for the kind and decent person he was.