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How Pa. politicians reacted to the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
*This developing story will be updated.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to be appointed to the nation’s highest court, died Friday, aged 87. The cause was complications from metastatic pancreas cancer, the New York Times reported, citing a statement by the Supreme Court.
In a statement released late Friday, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he plans to move ahead to fill the seat, setting up the potential for a brutal political battle ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Below are reactions from Pennsylvania politicians to her death.
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa:
“Tonight our nation mourns the passing of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg was a pioneer for gender equality, a champion for human rights and a fierce defender of workers on an increasingly corporate Supreme Court. Justice Ginsburg served our Nation honorably and with distinction for four decades. Her heroic battles with cancer inspired countless Americans. I extend condolences to her family and may her memory be a blessing to millions of Americans.
“Consistent with the precedent set by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in 2016, Justice Ginsburg’s seat should not be filled until the presidential election concludes and the candidate chosen by voters is sworn into office.”
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.
Our nation mourns the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Renowned for her legal intellect and sharp opinions, Justice Ginsburg served on our nation’s highest court for nearly three decades with distinction and honor.
— Senator Pat Toomey (@SenToomey) September 19, 2020
Simply put, Justice Ginsburg left an indelible mark that will resonate for generations. I extend my prayers and deepest condolences to Justice Ginsburg’s family, friends, and colleagues.
— Senator Pat Toomey (@SenToomey) September 19, 2020
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf:
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s contributions to our country cannot be overstated.
A tireless defender of the Constitution, her historic opinions from the bench broke down barriers for women and protected the vulnerable.
Frances and I join the country in mourning her loss.
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) September 19, 2020
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro:
Justice Ginsburg was a brave, brilliant lawyer. She was a pioneer who fought with all her might, every day.
Tonight, it’s time for all of us to pause and thank her for her service to our country.
May her memory be a blessing.
— Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) September 19, 2020
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman:
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) September 18, 2020
Pennsylvania House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny:
I’ve worked around lawyers and judges for years. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a shining example for all. A gifted legal mind. A champion for justice and fair play. A truly great American who shaped history in a good way. #RIPRBG
— Frank Dermody (@RepFrankDermody) September 19, 2020
Pennsylvania Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny:
Justice Ginsburg was a brilliant legal mind & a tireless advocate for women. Her death is an inconceivable loss on the highest bench of this nation. https://t.co/g9tAvYjoqI
— Senator Jay Costa (@Senatorcosta) September 19, 2020
Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a living example of the very word justice, from a trailblazing member of the bench, to a fierce advocate for those who felt left behind or unheard in our democracy. We are forever grateful for her service on our highest court. May she Rest In Peace.
— Eugene DePasquale (@DePasqualePA) September 19, 2020
Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella:
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg meant so much to so many of us as a personal example. And she meant far more to us all as a force for justice in our country. A couple thoughts: pic.twitter.com/95Wf2NvKg5
— Joe Torsella (@JoeTorsella) September 19, 2020
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-1st District:
Incredibly saddened to hear of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing. She was a pioneer for women in law and dedicated her life to gender equality. Her work on the Supreme Court will live forever and inspire generations to come. May she Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/IFtVWFmmTU
— Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick 🇺🇸 (@RepBrianFitz) September 19, 2020
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-2nd District:
Agreed https://t.co/3t15kPMTVA
— US Rep Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) September 19, 2020
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, D-3rd District:
What an enormous loss for our nation.
Rest in Peace, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. https://t.co/elUOPJverY
— Congressman Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) September 18, 2020
U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th District:
3/3 No one will replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her legacy, & dedication to women — & the future of women in America. The long shadow of her work & selfless care for others will carry us forward. Her loss is colossal.
May her fervent, final wish be realized; may she Rest In Peace
— Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) September 19, 2020
U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5th District:
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg carried the torch for justice and equality, from her law school classrooms to our highest court. Her light shines so long as we continue her work and the relentless pursuit of justice. My heart is broken — may we hold her memory with us always. #RBG
— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) September 18, 2020
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th District:
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A remarkable trailblazer not simply for American women but for all of humanity. What a remarkable life. May we all learn and lead from and by her example.
— Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) September 19, 2020
U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8th District:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was more than a brilliant legal mind. She was a pioneer, an inspiration, and one of the strongest voices for a more just and equal America. The impact of her work will undoubtedly be felt for generations. Marion and I are praying for her family. #RIPRBG
— Matt Cartwright (@RepCartwright) September 19, 2020
U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-10th District:
Sending prayers and love to the family of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg tonight. We thank her for her service to our Nation and her dedication to the law. May she Rest in Peace.
— RepScottPerry (@RepScottPerry) September 19, 2020
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-11th District:
I join the PA-11 community in offering condolences to the family of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her life of service and deep commitment to our country have left an indelible mark on the Supreme Court and our nation.
— Rep. Lloyd Smucker (@RepSmucker) September 19, 2020
U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-12th District:
Saddened to hear of the loss of Justice Ginsburg. For decades, she served our nation with distinction and honor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.https://t.co/gd4nELUQkx
— Congressman Fred Keller (@RepFredKeller) September 19, 2020
U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-14th District:
My thoughts and prayers are with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s family tonight. May God bless them in their time of mourning.
— Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (@GReschenthaler) September 19, 2020
U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-18th District:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg… what a profound loss to our country. She was a legal titan and a champion for the rights of all. She spent her life fighting for us, and now we need to fight to preserve her legacy. #NotoriousRBG pic.twitter.com/vgQokFA8RU
— Mike Doyle (@USRepMikeDoyle) September 19, 2020
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