M. Jodi Rell, the first and only Republican woman to serve as governor of Connecticut, passed away Wednesday at the age of 78 in Florida after a brief illness.
Rell had been the state’s lieutenant governor for more than nine years before stepping into the governor’s role in 2004, following the resignation of Gov. John Rowland amid a corruption scandal. As governor, she worked to restore integrity to the state government during a time of turmoil, with her successor, Dannel P. Malloy, praising her efforts to “steady the ship.” Known for her bipartisan approach, Rell’s leadership was marked by her battle with breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with shortly after becoming governor. She continued her duties with resilience, returning to the office just nine days after surgery.
Rell was elected governor in her own right in 2006, winning a record-breaking 63 percent of the vote. During her tenure, she focused on education, the state’s economy, and social issues, including supporting abortion rights and stem-cell research. Rell was also instrumental in passing landmark legislation, such as the legalization of civil unions for same-sex couples in 2005.
Despite being mentioned as a possible vice-presidential candidate for John McCain in 2008, Rell chose not to seek re-election in 2010. She is remembered for her commitment to restoring honor to Connecticut’s government and for her long-lasting impact on the state’s policies and legacy.
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