Lloyd Bentsen Jr., who served for 22 years in the U.S. Senate, ran for president and vice president and served as President Bill Clinton's first Treasury Secretary, died at home in Houston after a long illness that followed a couple of strokes. Bentsen was 85. Bentsen was a decorated bomber pilot in World War II and started his career in public office by getting elected Hidalgo County Judge when he was 25. He started three terms in Congress a couple of years later, and then quit to go into private business. In 1970, he ran for Senate, beating incumbent U.S. Sen. Ralph Yarbrough in the Democratic primary and then besting U.S. Rep. George H.W. Bush in the general election. He was the vice presidential nominee on the Democratic ticket that lost to Bush in 1988, behind Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts. His death prompted an outpouring of remembrances, starting with one from his family: "Senator Lloyd Bentsen passed away at home Tuesday surrounded by his loving family. He was a man of courage, wisdom and civility and set the highest standard for public service. As a young World War II squadron commander, he repeatedly risked his life to defend freedom. In the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, he promoted fiscal responsibility and free trade, supported the civil rights of minorities and women, and enabled protection for children and older Americans. As Secretary of the Treasury, he helped bring greater opportunity and unprecedented prosperity to our country. A friend of business and workers alike, Lloyd Bentsen earned his family’s and his country’s deepest appreciation for his extraordinary contributions to the well-being of his and our nation. Lloyd Bentsen had a blessed life and fully graced every member of his family’s lives. He is survived by his incredible wife of 63 years, B.A. Longino of Lufkin; three children and their spouses, and eight grandchildren." Gov. Rick Perry: "Today we mourn the loss of a war hero and true Texas leader who earned the respect of the nation with his dedication to public service. Anita and I extend prayers of comfort to his family in their time of grief, and urge all Texans to remember and honor his life of service." Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn: "Sen. Lloyd Bentsen was a true Texas icon and a friend. He put Texans above politics. He lifted all Texans." Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell of Houston: "Lloyd Bentsen never lost site of the fact that, in a state like Texas, we need to be about lifting each other up. And he spent his entire time in public service fighting for just that. I believe we need to honor his life remembering what he stood for: bipartisan, common-sense leadership. Lloyd Bentsen personified the word statesman and he will be sorely missed." Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst: "With today's passing of Senator Bentsen, the people of Texas have lost a true leader for the state and for America. Throughout his 28 years of public service, Senator Bentsen was an advocate for the people of Texas, and I appreciate and respect his dedication to improving the lives of all Texans. In this difficult time, I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers to his family and friends." State Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston: "Senator Bentsen was a great statesman and role model for me and so many. I was honored to have had the opportunity to get to know him while we traveled the country campaigning for the vice presidency. His footprints of statesmanship on local, state, national and international politics will long be remembered." State Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston: "Lloyd Bentsen was a true statesman whose very name became synonymous with good and fair government. His lifetime of public service left Texas and Houston better places than he found them. His wisdom will be missed. My prayers go out to the entire Bentsen family." Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie: "Texas has lost a great leader today. The passing of Senator Lloyd Bentsen is a tragic loss to the citizens of Texas and the citizens of this great nation. Sen. Bentsen was a man who put service to his state and country before all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bentsen family."