Utah's elected officials and leaders in the legal profession from across the political spectrum offered reflections on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy. She died Friday at the age of 87.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert tweeted:
"Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a force of nature. She had a keen intellect and a tremendous work ethic. She broke through countless barriers, shattering ceilings and leading the way for women to have more involvement in government. She was a true pioneer in every sense. Justice Ginsburg gave tireless service well beyond retirement age and had a tremendous impact on our nation. Jeanette and I send our sincere condolences to her family."
U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) tweeted:
"Justice Ginsburg served our nation with a deep reverence for the law and our Constitution. Her fight for women’s equality inspired all women to pursue their dreams without limits, and her grit, character and sharp wit made her an iconic and inspirational jurist beloved by people young and old. The beautiful friendship she shared with the late Justice Scalia serves as a reminder to all Americans to treat each other with kindness and respect, despite our differences. Justice Ginsburg’s record of distinguished service leaves an indelible mark on our country that will endure for generations to come. She and her husband Martin shared a full life together, and Ann and I pray tonight that her family finds comfort during this time."
U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) tweeted:
"Justice Ginsburg devoted her entire life to reading, interpreting, and understanding the law. To describe her as a gifted lawyer and jurist who had a profound influence on our country is an understatement. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family."
U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Utah) tweeted:
"Ruth Bader Ginsberg lived her life with dedication and commitment. She made a lasting mark on the bench and our entire nation. I am grateful for the service she gave to our country and send my deep condolences to her family and loved ones."
U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah) tweeted:
"I’m saddened to hear about the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her decades of service to our Nation & her legacy will be celebrated well into the future. RBG helped shape our nation into what it is today & I express my deepest condolences to her family."
U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) tweeted:
"Rest In Peace Justice Ginsburg. My prayers are with her family and loved ones."
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson wrote in a press release:
"Justice Ginsburg broke ground and glass ceilings at the same time. She fought for equality and justice and never backed down in the face of opposition. She is a hero to me and millions of other women who looked to her as a North Star for her principled leadership. We will miss her more than we realize today, and we should all mourn together for the loss of a great American treasure."
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes tweeted:
"Today, America lost a legal giant and proud champion of women’s rights. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s service on the Supreme Court was an inspiration to millions of Americans. Regardless of party or politics, no one can deny her historic impact on the High Court. We pray her lifelong example of service may unite us as a nation in mourning her passing. Our sympathies go out to her family, fellow Justices, staff and friends."
Former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch tweeted:
"Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a dear friend whose impact extended well beyond the Supreme Court. Of course, it’s no secret that Justice Ginsburg and I were on opposite sides on most issues. But we both loved this country greatly, and that was the kindling of a decades-long friendship. I hope that as an American family, we can one day look beyond politics to see what’s best in each other as Ruth and I did. May God bless the Ginsburg family, and may He bless our country in the months ahead."
Elizabeth Kronk Warner, Dean of the S.J. Quinney School of Law at the University of Utah tweeted:
"Today we mourn the loss of Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsberg. For many, she was more than a Supreme Court Justice – she was a feminist icon who championed equal rights. We are all thankful for her tremendous service to our country & lament her loss."
Utah Democratic Party Chair Jeff Merchant tweeted:
"There will be many, many days of politicking over who will be the next justice of the US Supreme Court. But never forget that #RBG will NEVER be able to be replaced. Let us hope whomever is next is capable of even attempting to fill her shoes."
Utah Republican Party Chair Derek Brown tweeted:
"From @UTGOPChair: Justice Ginsburg dedicated her life to the law, to the pursuit of justice, and to equality. Though her legal opinions were not without controversy, her contributions to our country were significant and groundbreaking. Our thoughts are with her family."
