WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Concord Coalition deeply regrets the passing of Warren B. Rudman, a founding co-chairman of the organization and a tireless champion of responsible federal budget policies and the interests of future generations of Americans.

"Warren Rudman was an outstanding Senator and an outstanding citizen," said Concord Co-Chairman and former Senator Sam Nunn. "Warren remained dedicated to public service and to our nation's well-being long after he left public office. Among his many civic contributions, Warren co-chaired the Concord Coalition – an organization he founded with Paul Tsongas and Pete Peterson that is dedicated to putting America back on the road to fiscal responsibility."

"Warren faced hard truths with courage and candor, and he worked with members from both political parties who were willing to put America's interests first," Nunn added. "He knew that America had to face up to our current and long-term fiscal challenges, and he believed that if the American people were given the facts by courageous leaders, our fiscal problems would be confronted and solved.

"Warren will be greatly missed by his many friends and admirers, by the people of New Hampshire and by his country."

Bob Kerrey, a former senator and former Concord co-chair, said: "We have lost one of our last great statesmen, a leader who always put the nation's interest ahead of politics. Senator Rudman lived his values. He was wise, generous, independent and patriotic. He lived free, died and left a remarkable living legacy: A stronger, safer, more prosperous and more just America."

Rudman, a life-long New Hampshire resident, was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980 and served two distinguished terms there. In September 1992 Rudman, a Republican, founded The Concord Coalition with former Senator Paul Tsongas, a Massachusetts Democrat, and former Secretary of Commerce Peter G. Peterson.

"With his courage, wisdom and focus on the broad public interest, Senator Rudman exemplified the kind of political leader that the country needs so much today," said Robert L. Bixby, Concord's executive director. "He was both a man of strong principles and an advocate of thoughtful compromise. We will sorely miss his guidance and his friendship."

The Concord Coalition is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to fiscal responsibility.

SOURCE The Concord Coalition