Illinois leaders from both political parties remembered Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Friday at age 87.
“America has lost an icon and an inspiration,” said Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) in a statement issued Friday night. “Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was first a trailblazer and then a bulwark for equality, whether you are a woman, gay, a person of color or disabled.”
America has lost an icon and inspiration in Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her legacy will endure, but only if we fight as hard as she did to protect it.
My full statement: pic.twitter.com/Di5CoRApzN
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) September 19, 2020
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued a statement Friday night saying she was devastated and heartbroken to learn about Ginsburg’s passing.
“Not only did our nation lose a brilliant jurist, we lost a hero—a 5’1” giant who gave a voice to girls and women everywhere and moved the needle forward in our long fight toward justice and equality for all. Like so, so many other Americans tonight, I am deeply grateful for all that Justice Ginsburg did to ensure equal protection under the law for women across this country and to defend the rights of so many others. She will be sorely missed, but her unparalleled legacy and impact will never be forgotten.”
Tonight we are devastated, but tomorrow we will roll up our sleeves & keep working. We must honor her legacy by redoubling our efforts to safeguard the rights of women, of Americans with disabilities and of all Americans for future generations. We cannot let up now.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) September 19, 2020
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) also praised the justice’s life of service.
“The Supreme Court’s most valiant champion for justice in our lifetime is gone. Justice Ginsburg was an American hero,” said Durbin. He is opposed to voting late this election year on replacing Ginsburg with a nominee by President Donald Trump.
Remember Senator McConnell’s demand that SCOTUS vacancies go unfilled during a presidential election year, which was also Justice Ginsburg’s dying wish. McConnell pleaded with us to let the voters have the last word. Every Senator should be asked to commit to the McConnell Rule.
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) September 19, 2020
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R) of Illinois’ 16th congressional district also praised Ginsburg life.
“Justice Ginsburg undoubtedly left her mark on this world and her commitment to the rule of law will inspire generations to come. The second female ever appointed to the Highest Court in the Land, she was a trailblazer who proudly served our country for over 27 years and stood as a role model to many. Justice Ginsburg believed deeply in the freedoms of America and our nation is better for her service.”
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a pioneer who served our nation for 27 years on the Supreme Court. She was a gifted lawyer and jurist who leaves a profound impact on our nation that will not be forgotten.
I am praying for her family and her loved ones. May she Rest In Peace.
— Darin LaHood (@RepLaHood) September 19, 2020
Ginsburg repeatedly showed a steely resilience in the face of personal loss and health problems. That resolve made the diminutive New Yorker a towering women’s rights champion and forceful presence at the court over 27 years. She made few concessions to age and health problems, working regularly with a personal trainer. She never missed time in court before the age of 85. Late in her court tenure, she became a social media icon, the Notorious RBG, a name coined by a law student who admired Ginsburg’s dissent in a case cutting back on a key civil rights law.
