Particle.news
Download on the App Store
10 ARTICLES
·
6d ago

Nancy Kassebaum Baker Dies at 94

Her passing closes a chapter of moderate, bipartisan Republican leadership that helped pass major health insurance reforms and shaped Kansas politics.

Image
Former Kansas Senator Nancy Kassebaum Baker chats with colleagues following the Dec. 11, 2021, memorial for the late Kansas Senator Bob Dole at the Statehouse.
Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, second from left, joined former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole, seated, at the unveiling of a statue in his likeness in 2018 at Washburn University in Topeka.
Image

Overview

  • Her son, Bill Kassebaum, confirmed late Friday that she died of natural causes at age 94.
  • Kassebaum Baker served three Senate terms from 1978 to 1997 and was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate without following a husband into office.
  • She chaired the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee and co‑authored the 1996 bipartisan health insurance reforms often linked to her work with Sen. Ted Kennedy.
  • Kansas and national leaders issued tributes praising her mentorship, pragmatic style and long record of constituent service.
  • In retirement she broke with the Republican Party by endorsing Democrats in key Kansas races and by calling for President Trump’s impeachment after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack, a stance that underscored her independent approach and may prompt renewed discussion about the future of centrist Republicans.