He became president at age 29 . Note : Percy once considered running for president in 2000 . Percy was suffering Alzheimer 's in recent years . He was a long - time rising star in the Republican Party . He was elected to the State Senate in 1978 and served until retirement .
Note : Percy once considered running for president in 2000 . Percy was suffering Alzheimer 's in recent years . He was a long - time rising star in the Republican Party . He was elected to the State Senate in 1978 and served until retirement .