Howard Henry Baker

Republican Senator of Tennessee

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1925 (89 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 2014

Death

Served as a United States Senator from Tennessee from 1967 to 1985.
Held the positions of Senate Minority Leader and Senate Majority Leader during his tenure.
First Republican elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee since the Reconstruction era.
Known as the “Great Conciliator” for his ability to broker compromises and maintain civility in politics.
Played a significant role in the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970.
Ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1980 but withdrew after early primaries.
Served as White House Chief of Staff under President Ronald Reagan from 1987 to 1988.
Appointed as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 2001 to 2005.
Involved in the Watergate investigation as the ranking minority member of the Senate Watergate Committee.
Recognized for his negotiation skills and bipartisan approach throughout his political career.
An accomplished photographer with works published in notable magazines and books.
Received several honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984.
Married twice, with his second wife being a U.S. Senator.