Former Sen. Carl Levin Dies At 87

https://www.npr.org/2021/07/29/ [login to see] /former-sen-carl-levin-dies-at-87
Famous for gazing over eyeglasses worn on the end of his nose, Carl Levin seemed at ease wherever he went, whether attending a college football game back home in Michigan or taking on a multibillion-dollar corporation before cameras on Capitol Hill.

Michigan's longest-serving U.S. senator had a slightly rumpled, down-to-earth demeanor that helped him win over voters throughout his 36-year career, as did his staunch support for the hometown auto industry. But the Harvard-educated attorney also was a respected voice on military issues, spending years leading the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee.

Despite his record tenure and status, he kept his role in perspective. At his direction, the portraits of all 38 senators who had served before or with him since Michigan's statehood in 1837 were hung in his office conference room. Two empty spaces were reserved for future senators.

"I'm part of a long trail of people who have represented Michigan," Levin said in 2008. "I'm just part of that history. The people coming after me ... can pick up where I leave off, whoever they might be."