Controversial former North Carolina senator Jesse Helms died on July 4th from natural causes in Raleigh, North Carolina. Helms was 86-years old. He left office back in 2003 due to his failing health. He was succeeded by Elizabeth Dole.

The one-time radio commentator turned congressional power broker pursued an ideological agenda that was anti-communist, anti-liberal, anti-gay and anti-affirmative action. He also held a deep distrust of international organizations and many foreign governments.

For years, Helms played a key role in U.S. foreign policy as chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, embracing a strong U.S. national defense and what he regarded as a moral foreign policy.

This made the Republican curmudgeon a hero to fellow American conservatives, yet a villain at home and abroad to those who saw him as a symbol of U.S. isolationism and a foe of social progress. His name became synonymous with social conservatism.

Helms was a polarizing figure on Capital Hill for his entire thirty years in the Senate. He was nicknamed ‘Senator No’ for his opposition to almost every bill that came before him.

Helms is survived by his wife Dorothy Helms; children Jane Knox, Nancy Grigg and Charles Helms; and seven grandchildren.