Alexander Haig dead at 85

Former Secretary of State Alexander Haig died Saturday at the age of 85.

Haig died at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, the Associated Press reported Saturday.

Haig served as White House Chief of Staff briefly during the presidency of Richard Nixon, and most notably served as secretary of State for President Ronald Reagan during the first part of his administration.

“Today we mourn the loss of Alexander Haig, a great American who served our country with distinction.  General Haig exemplified our finest warrior-diplomat tradition of those who dedicate their lives to public service,” President Barack Obama said in a statement. “He enjoyed a remarkable and decorated career, rising to become a four-star general and serving as Supreme Allied Commander of Europe before also serving as Secretary of State.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Haig of course raised eyebrows when, in the wake of an assassination attempt on Reagan, he claimed control of the country.

“I am in control here, in the White House, pending return of the Vice President,” Haig said in a press conference after the shooting.

Haig also ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for president in 1988.

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele offered his condolences Saturday, as well.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Secretary of State Alexander Haig,” Steele said. “His years of steadfast and courageous service to America and the Republican Party should serve as an inspiration to all those interested in public service.  My sincere condolences go out to the entire Haig family.”

This post was updated at 11:28 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.