A powerful representative and senator from the state of West Virginia, Robert Carlyle Byrd left an impressive mark on American politics. The longest serving senator in U.S. history with over 51 years in office, he was considered "the Dean of the Senate" - a true master of the body's arcane rules and procedures. He led the Senate Democrats from 1977-1986. A man of strong convictions, he made news in 2003 by leading criticism against President George W. Bush's Iraq war policies.