Divisive Conservative Firebrand Jesse Helms Dies at 86 (pbs.org/newshour/updates/remember/july-dec08/helms_07-04.html) Former Sen. Jesse Helms, one of the staunchest conservative champions in politics for more than 50 years, died Friday after a period of declining health, ending the life of one of the most divisive politicians in generations. Republicans in North Carolina and throughout the country expressed sadness at the news. "It's just incredible that he would die on July 4, the same day of the Declaration of Independence and the same day that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died, and he certainly is a patriot in the mold of those great men," ...