Former Sen. Claiborne Pell dies

Former Sen. Claiborne Pell died today at the age of 90.

Pell, a Democrat from Rhode Island, served in the Senate from 1961 to 1997. Although Pell came from a very blueblood background, he may be best known for sponsoring the Pell Grant - which may have helped you or someone in your family attend college.

Pell built a record that was admired by working-class Rhode Islanders throughout his 6-term Senate career.

Sadly, there aren't many senators like Claiborne Pell today. If you contrast the accomplishments of the average senator of today versus those of Pell, Pell beats them hands down.

(Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090101/ap_on_re_us/obit_pell)