(MONEY Magazine) – What with the recounts, lawsuits and dimpled chads in Florida, Delaware's senatorial election passed largely unnoticed. But it marked a historic moment in personal finance: 79-year-old Republican senator William V. Roth Jr. lost to Democratic governor Thomas R. Carper. Political analysts say Roth's age may have tipped the balance: He's lately suffered dizzy spells, one on camera. But as Roth heads into retirement, those still saving for their big day will never forget the five-term senator responsible for a provision in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 that created the Roth IRA. Some 10% of U.S. households have established Roth IRAs, which allow retirement savings to grow tax-free.

In his final year on the job, Roth continued working to liberalize IRA contribution limits. He also inserted into the Tariff Suspension and Trade Act of 2000 a provision banning the import of products made of dog or cat fur. In October, his St. Bernards, Wilhelm and Tsunami, issued a statement urging Congress to pass the legislation. If pets could vote, Delaware might have swung the other way.

--LAURA LALLOS