Former senate leader Harry Reid dies at 82

Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid died on Tuesday.

Born into poverty, Reid rose to become a Washington heavyweight

His career spanned decades and saw big wins for Democrats, including a key role in passing President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act.

His death at 82 follows a long battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his family.

The senator from Nevada was an amateur boxer in his youth and once said, "I would rather dance than fight, but I know how to fight."

During his tenure he faced off repeatedly with Republicans.

In 2010, it was over Obama's healthcare law.

In 2013, it was his change to Senate filibuster rules, a change that made it impossible for the GOP as minority party to block presidential appointments except those to the Supreme Court.

Mitch McConnell, the Senate's top Republican, once called him "the worst leader in the Senate ever."

But in 2016 during his farewell speech on the Senate floor Reid left things with McConnell on an upbeat note.

"Everybody, go ahead and make up all the stories you want about how we hate each other. Go ahead. But we don't. If it makes a better story, go ahead and do it. But maybe somebody should write this: thank you very much, Mitch."

McConnell released a statement on Tuesday acknowledging the two had butted heads on policy.

But he went on to say, "I never doubted that Harry was always doing what he earnestly, deeply felt was right for Nevada and our country."

Obama also paid tribute with a letter posted on social media, saying "I wouldn't have got most of what I got done without your skill and determination."