Claiborne Pell (1918-2009)

Former Rhode Island Senator Claiborne Pell (D), author of the famous college loan program that bears his name, died last night at age 90. A scion of one of New England's most prominent political families, Pell was nevertheless one of America's great advocates for persons of all backgrounds, classes, races, and orientations. He was a model for the best kind of Senator, and he will be missed.