Ex-Gov. Paul Cellucci of Massachusetts dies

BOSTON -- Former Massachusetts Gov. Argeo Paul Cellucci has died of complications from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 65.

His death was announced yesterday on behalf of his family by Michael F. Collins, chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where Cellucci was involved in raising funds for ALS research.

Cellucci, known as Paul, was elected lieutenant governor in 1990 and was elevated to acting governor in 1997 when his predecessor, William Weld, resigned to pursue an ambassadorship.

Cellucci won election as governor in his own right in 1998. He later served as U.S. ambassador to Canada.

Cellucci was considered a moderate cast in the mold of New England Republicans -- fiscally conservative yet middle of the road on many social issues.-- AP