Ex-Del. senator Roth dies at 82

[NewJerseyDem]

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/7490802.htm

WILMINGTON, Del. - Former U.S. Sen. William V. Roth Jr., a fighter for tax cuts during his five terms in Congress and creator of the popular retirement account that bears his name, has died. He was 82.

Roth collapsed late yesterday at his daughter's house in Washington, said U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden, who said he was notified shortly after midnight today by Roth's longtime secretary.

"It's a sad day for Delaware," said Biden (D., Del). "This was one of the truly great figures in Delaware politics."

Roth was a relentless champion of tax cuts during his time in Washington and also oversaw high-profile inquiries into both alleged taxpayer abuses by the Internal Revenue Service and Pentagon overspending that uncovered the famous $9,600 wrench and $640 toilet seat.