Former Ohio Governor, U.S. Senator George Voinovich dies at 79

Former Ohio Governor and U.S. Senator George Voinovich died in his sleep on Sunday. He was 79.

Having also served as a member of the Ohio House and the Mayor of Cleveland, Voinovich is remembered as a frugal executive and a voice of moderation from the GOP.

Political leaders showed reverence for Voinovich in the wake of his death, including current Ohio Governor John Kasich, who called him “a unifier who thought outside the box, never gave up and worked hard for the ideas he believed in up until the very end of his life.”

Ohio has lost a legendary leader. We are all better for George Voinovich’s service. Join me in lifting up Janet & her family in prayer.

— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) June 12, 2016

Voinovich tried to live his life as he governed: he prided himself on shining his own shoes and buying his clothes on sale. As governor, he even banned peanuts and other snacks on state airplanes in order to save money.

In the two years of his governorship, he cut $720 million from the state budget.

He is survived by his wife Janet Voinovich.

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