Elected officials from across the political spectrum issued statements in response to the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg lost her battle with cancer on Friday, Sept. 18.
Senator Thom Tillis (R) (on Twitter): "Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a pioneer who served our nation with distinction on the Supreme Court for 27 years, serving 23 of those beside her dear friend - but polar opposite - Justice Scalia. She demonstrated that we can disagree on fundamental issues but remain civil."
Senator Richard Burr (R): “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Justice Ginsburg. Throughout her life and career, Justice Ginsburg faced many challenges, but never let them serve as setbacks. She was a trailblazer and a tireless advocate for equality and opportunity for all Americans. While she and I may not have agreed on many policy issues, I know her unique voice will be greatly missed by her beloved family, her friends, and her colleagues on the Court.”
Governor Roy Cooper (D) on Facebook: "The country has lost a fervent icon of equal rights in the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a legal pioneer for women’s rights who insisted on fair treatment for all. Our hearts are with her family and her fellow justices on the Supreme Court. The Court must continue her legacy of justice and fairness."
Lt. Governor Dan Forest (R) on Facebook: "My heart goes out to the family of Justice Ginsburg. I didn’t agree with all of her decisions, but her dear friendship with Justice Scalia set an example for the nation we should try to emulate today. We need to get back to a place in America where friendships are more important than politics. We are praying for her family, and for our country."
N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley (D): "Our country has lost a great jurist in Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was a trailblazer whose commitment to justice and equality was matched only by her principled protection of our constitution. My prayers are with her family as they grieve her loss and celebrate her legacy."
Congresswoman Alma Adams (D): "Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the conscience of the Court and the one of the greatest fighters American women have ever had. Justice Ginsburg’s dissents spoke for people of conscience with a righteous anger and moral clarity that is too often missing from the public sphere. Her lifetime of advocacy for women and equality extended far beyond her service on the bench, and all Americans – not just women – owe her an incalculable debt for removing the foot of the patriarchy off our necks, allowing women to breathe free in a country that still does not always see us as equal. Though she is irreplaceable, Justice Ginsburg will have a successor. She would be the first person to say her successor should be a woman who believes, as she did, that ‘women belong in all places where decisions are being made.’ I am devastated by this loss, and my prayers are with not only her family, but every person who looked to her for inspiration and courage.”
Congresswoman Alma Adams (D) on Twitter: "Congress has never allowed an impeached president to fill a Supreme Court vacancy. Pass it on."
Congressman Greg Murphy (R): "“Tonight we mourn the loss of a longtime public servant, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I may not have agreed with some of her legal opinions, but her service to this country transcended politics. She broke barriers for many female public servants in this country, which cannot be emphasized enough. Her legal opinions reflected her deeply held convictions about the Constitution and federal law. Her death will be deeply mourned."
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R) on Twitter: "Tom and I are praying this evening for Justice Ginsburg’s family during this difficult time. May God continue to provide them with counsel and comfort. May she Rest In Peace."
Congressman G.K. Butterfield (D) on Twitter: "A true champion for justice, role model, trailblazer and remarkable officer of the court—We mourn the loss of #JusticeGinsburg. #RBG #SCOTUS"
Congressman George Holding (R): “Lucy and I were saddened to learn about the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg yesterday. Her will to serve her country, even through multiple bouts with cancer, was substantial. Justice Ginsburg will always be remembered for the powerful role she played on the Supreme Court. Our prayers are with her family."
Congressman Mark Walker (R) on Twitter: "Ruth Bader Ginsburg broke through barriers to reach the highest court in the land and her relationship with Justice Antonin Scalia proved that genuine friendships are possible, even in a tough political arena. Prayers for her family."
Congressman David Price (D): “Before she served on America’s highest court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg charted her own path-breaking career as a spirited and persistent advocate for women’s rights. Justice Ginsburg not only successfully challenged injustices for herself, but committed her career to ensuring a more equal future for every woman who came after her. On the bench, Justice Ginsburg led with brilliance, integrity, and fortitude. Justice Ginsburg also remained resilient while facing personal obstacles throughout her life such as caring for her seriously ill husband or battling cancer. As an exemplary public servant who looked out for the long-term health of the American people and our democracy, she leaves enormous shoes that won’t easily be filled. Justice Ginsburg left a final statement with her granddaughter: 'My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new President is installed.' Any senator with a shred of integrity must honor this wish, particularly in light of the Republican Senate’s refusal to schedule a vote for President Obama’s nominee Merrick Garland throughout 2016. To rush a Trump nominee to a Senate vote would not only be breathtaking hypocrisy; it could irreparably compromise and damage the Court.”
Congressman David Rouzer (R) on Twitter: We are all saddened by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Though I disagreed with her belief in a "living" Constitution that should be interpreted differently based on the times, there is no question she devoted her life to public service & was true to her convictions... Only the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, she was a woman of remarkable accomplishment. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.
Congressman Richard Hudson (R) on Twitter: "Tonight I want to acknowledge Justice Ginsburg’s decades of service to our nation. My prayers are with her family at this time."
Congressman Ted Budd (R) on Twitter: "I’d like to send my condolences to the family and friends of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. While we disagreed philosophically, her passion for what she believed in was admirable and her loved ones will be in my prayers."