It’s with great sadness that the Center for Responsive Politics today learned of the death of former Sen. Charles “Mac” Mathias.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Mike Mansfield once dubbed Sen. Mathias, a Republican from Maryland, the “conscience of the Senate.” Such a title is fitting for a man who eagerly worked for and with people from across the political spectrum while advocating for issues such as increased government transparency and accountability.
After retiring from the Senate in 1987, Sen. Mathias employed his passion for open government during the 1990s as a member of the Center for Responsive Politics’ board of directors.
The expertise and experience he offered proved invaluable as the Center fought to shine light into the dark corners of government, particularly during the early years of the Internet.
The Center’s thoughts today are with Sen. Mathias’ family.