Former Democratic Sen. Metzenbaum dies: media

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former Ohio Democratic Sen. Howard Metzenbaum, a self-made millionaire who championed workers and consumers during almost 20 years in the Senate, has died at age 90, according to media reports on Thursday.

Metzenbaum, who left office in 1995, died at his home in Florida on Wednesday night, the Cleveland Plain Dealer said on its Web site.

An unapologetic liberal, Metzenbaum helped pass measures to strengthen workers and consumers' rights, including a bill to provide employees with 60 days' notice of plant closings. He also promoted the Brady bill, which mandated a waiting period when buying a handgun.

Metzenbaum was a frequent critic of big business and earned the nickname "Senator No" for his success in blocking bills he considered overly favorable to special interests.

Before his Senate career, he worked as a lawyer and made millions in business, with ventures including a highly successful airport parking lot company.

Metzenbaum was first elected to the Senate in 1976 after a brief appointment in 1974 to fill a vacancy. He was re-elected to two more six-year terms before stepping down.

After leaving office, he served as head of the Consumer Federation of America, a consumer advocacy group.

(Writing by Peter Cooney; Editing by Stephen Weeks)