Mass. politicians reflect on Carter's legacy, praising his 'moral clarity' and decency

Massachusetts politicians are reflecting on the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter who died Sunday at age 100.

Several Massachusetts Democrats posted condolences to Carter's family and remembered the former president and humanitarian for his decency and commitment to the environment and human rights.

Gov. Maura Healey said the 39th president was dedicated to "peace, human rights, democracy, and moral clarity" and set an example of what it means to serve others.

"May we all honor his memory by building a more just, peaceful, and caring world," she wrote in a post to social media.

In keeping with tradition, Healey ordered flags to fly at half-staff through Jan. 28 in his honor.

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey shared on social media a photo of the first time he met Carter, recalling his "determination to lift humanity's spirit."

Sen. Elizabeth Warren called him a "true public servant and peacemaker" in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, the House minority whip, remembered Carter as fighting for "the dignity of working families and the health of our planet."

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan noted Carter's love and appreciation for the American people.

"He'll be remembered for who he was — a good man who always saw the best in others. President Carter's legacy is one that everyone regardless of political persuasion should strive to emulate," she wrote in a statement posted on social media.

Michael Dukakis, former governor of Massachusetts, praised Carter as a remarkable example of public service in action.

" He was a extraordinary guy in many ways — a Southerner from Georgia who was progressive — and a very interesting human being," Dukakis told WBUR's Tiziana Dearing in an interview. "Just a fundamentally decent, good person."

This is a developing story and will be updated.