PORTLAND, Maine — Former Maine Sen. Joseph Brannigan of Portland has died after battling cancer. He was 83.
WGME reports that Brannigan died in Portland Saturday.
Brannigan, a Democrat, served in the Maine Legislature for 28 years — seven terms as a state representative and seven terms in the Maine Senate.
He also served as executive director of Shalom House in Portland — a home for mentally disabled adults.
Maine Democratic party chairman Phil Bartlett described Brannigan Sunday as a true statesman who eased the tension during heated debates.
He is survived by his wife, Claire, and a son.