How Pa. politicians reacted to the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

By: - September 18, 2020 8:30 pm

DACA supporters rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, 11/12/19 (Capital-Star photo by Robin Bravender)

*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.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf:

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro:

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman:

Pennsylvania House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny:

Pennsylvania Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny:

Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale:

Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella:

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-1st District:

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-2nd District:

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, D-3rd District:

U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th District:

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5th District: 

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th District:

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8th District:

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-10th District:

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-11th District:

U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-12th District:

U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-14th District:

U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-18th District:

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John L. Micek

A three-decade veteran of the news business, John L. Micek is the Pennsylvania Capital-Star's former Editor-in-Chief.

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