Edmund Muskie

Edmund Sixtus "Ed" Muskie (March 28, 1914 – March 26, 1996) was an American statesman, author, academic, and reformer who served as the 58th United States Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter. As head of the U.S. State Department, Muskie was influential in establishing diplomatic ties with foreign entities, developed numerous measures in U.S. foreign policy, and assisted Carter in the diplomatic resolution of the Iran hostage crisis, widely considered a pivotal episode in the history of Iran–United States relations. After the conclusion of the Carter presidency, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on January 16, 1981. He is widely considered one of the most influential politicians in the history of Maine.

A native of Rumford, Maine, Muskie graduated from Bates College in 1936, where he was a member of the debating society, participated in several sports, and was elected to student government. He went on to earn his J.D. from Cornell Law School in 1939. He then served in the United States Navy, during World War II and subsequently rose to the rank of lieutenant. After the conclusion of his service, he opened a private law practice in Waterville, Maine. While practicing law in Waterville, he helped grow the presence of the Democratic Party in a Republican Maine. He successfully began his political career as a member of the Maine House of Representatives before deciding to run for Governor of Maine. His political influence in Maine continued to grow as he was elected as Governor in 1955 and served until 1959. After concluding his time as Governor, he was elected to the United States Senate, and served from 1959 to 1980. Muskie was reelected in 1964, 1970 and 1976, each time with over 60 percent of the vote.