DeLauro: McGovern fought hunger and poverty

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro says fellow Democrat George McGovern was a "lion" of American politics who deserved praise for fighting hunger and poverty his entire career.

The former South Dakota senator and three-time presidential candidate died Sunday morning in Sioux Falls. He was 90.

DeLauro says McGovern was an inspiration for her career, dating back to when she made phone calls in New Haven for one of McGovern's presidential campaigns. She says she was honored to receive the George McGovern leadership award in 2009.