U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) speaks to more than 1,600 guests in attendance at the New England Council's annual celebration in Boston on Oct. 29. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

BOSTON – U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) recently received one of two Legacy Awards from the New England Council in recognition of her 50 years in public service.

Shaheen called for unity during the New England Council’s annual celebration at the Hynes Convention Center on Oct. 29.

“It’s up to us to demand that our elected officials are bi-partisan,” she said. “That’s what I’ve tried to stand for.”

Shaheen said things like housing, healthcare and education will always be at the forefront for Granite Staters regardless of party affiliation.

“We don’t have to agree on everything, most people want the same things,” she said.

James Brett, president and CEO of the New England Council, presents one of the two Legacy Awards to U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) during the council's annual celebration in Boston on Oct. 29. The other Legacy Award went to documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

Shaheen will be retiring at the end of her current term, having represented New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate since 2009 and serving as the state’s senior senator since 2011.

Shaheen got her start in politics working on Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign in 1976. She was also the New Hampshire manager of Democrat Gary Hart’s presidential run in 1984. Six years later, she was elected to represent the 21st District in the state Senate. Shaheen went on to make history in 1996, becoming the first woman to be elected governor of New Hampshire. She served three terms and left office in 2003. During the prior year, Shaheen decided not to seek another term as governor and ran for U.S. Senate, ultimately losing to Republican John Sununu. She challenged Sununu again in 2008 and emerged victorious. To date, Shaheen, Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte and U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) are the only women in state history who have been both governor and U.S. senator.

“It’s been a tremendous honor to serve New Hampshire for so many years. But what has meant the most to me is the opportunity to make a difference for people,” said Shaheen. “I hope if there’s one lesson we carry forward, it’s that we don’t have to agree on everything to work together. Most people want the same things for their families and communities. As the people representing them, they want us to listen, to work together and they want us to get things done.”

In October, Shaheen received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. She also received the James A. Hamilton Founder’s Award from the New Hampshire Hospital Association. In 2011, Shaheen was named New Englander of the Year by the New England Council.

James Brett, president and CEO of the New England Council, said Shaheen has earned respect on both sides of the aisle.

“Sen. Shaheen has served with distinction,” he said. “She’s beloved for her warmth and self-awareness. She has loved her state.”