Former Presidential Candidate 'George McGovern' Dies

Former South Dakota Democratic Senator and the 1972 Democratic presidential nominee George S. McGovern has passed away early Sunday morning, October 21 at the age of 90, a family spokesman said in a statement , reports Reuters.

McGovern, who represented South Dakota in the House of Representatives and in the Senate from 1956 to 1981, died at Dougherty Hospice House Medical Center in Sioux Falls after suffering from a combination of medical conditions due to age according to Reuters.

"We are blessed to know that our father lived a long, successful and productive life advocating for the hungry, being a progressive voice for millions and fighting for peace." a statement released by Steve Hildebrand, a spokesman for McGovern's family.

"He continued giving speeches, writing and advising all the way up to and past his 90th birthday, which he celebrated this summer."

McGovern was known for his tough stance against Vietnam War which led to losing US presidential election in 1972 against Richard Nixon with only 37 percent of the vote winning just one state, Massachusetts.

In 1968 and 1984, McGovern tried to win the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party but he failed in both.

Sources: Reuters and NBCNews