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Howard Metzenbaum, Former Ohio Democrat Senator Dead
Thursday, March 13th, 2008 @ 1:50 am | You think so
Former Senator Howard Metzenbaum, an Ohio Democrat, known as a courageous self-made millionaire before he began a long career fighting big business in the Senate, died Wednesday night. He was 90.
The senator died at his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The  cause of death has not been disclosed.
Metzenbaum, a former labor lawyer who following his 1995 retirement from the senate, became the head of the Consumer Federation of America.
Metzenbaum grew up poor, but claimed he was “born knowing how to make money”. He was one of the founders of APCOA, the biggest parking lot company in the world. He along with Ted Bonda began one of the nation’s first auto rental agencies, today known as  Avis.
Though Howard Metzenbaum boasted of his ability to take advantage of tax loopholes he worked to close loopholes for the rich
A master of the rules and a constant presence in the often-vacant chamber, Metzenbaum posted a legislative aide to scout for last minute amendments or hastily scheduled floor action on single-interest bills. In one year it is estimated he saved tax payers at minimum $10 billion because of his ability to block wasteful legislation.
Among the accomplishments for which he will be remembered is his role as the Senate’s prime sponsor of the Brady Act, seeking a waiting period for handgun purchases.Â
Metzenbaum is survived by his wife, Shirley, and four daughters. He was an American original.
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