Colorado Leaders Mourn The Death Of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg


Updated Sept. 19, 2020, at 3:06 p.m.
Colorado's political and justice leaders mourned the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Friday night.
Ginsburg died of complications from metastatic cancer of the pancreas. She was 87.
State Sen. Julie Gonzales was at least one state lawmaker helping organize a vigil in downtown Denver to honor the justice.
Ginsburg's death will inevitably set in motion what promises to be a nasty and tumultuous political battle over who will succeed her, and it thrusts the Supreme Court vacancy into the spotlight of the presidential campaign.
Just days before her death, as her strength waned, Ginsburg dictated this statement to her granddaughter Clara Spera: “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.”
Sen. Cory Gardner — Republican
It is with a solemn heart that I pray for the family of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Thank you for your service to our country and our nation’s highest court. Our nation mourns the loss of a trailblazing leader.
— Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) September 19, 2020
Gardner appeared Saturday at a Club 20 forum in Grand Junction. The moderator asked him whether he would maintain his stance from 2016 that the Senate should not vote on a Supreme Court vacancy so close to the election. Gardner did not answer the question, and instead said, "There is time for debate. There is time for politics. But the time for now is to pray for the family and to make sure that we keep their family in our hearts and prayers as we mourn as a nation."
Sen. Michael Bennet — Democrat
Few Americans have done as much as Ruth Bader Ginsburg to pull America closer to its ideals. Her tenacity, brilliance, and moral compass will be deeply missed, especially at this fraught moment. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.
— Michael Bennet (@SenatorBennet) September 19, 2020
Democratic Senate Candidate and Former Gov. John Hickenlooper
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an icon, a trailblazer and one of the greatest people to ever grace our nation. Her death is a loss that will be felt for decades, and her life is one that will be celebrated for generations to come. Rest in power Justice Ginsburg.
— John Hickenlooper (@Hickenlooper) September 19, 2020
Rep. Diana DeGette — Democrat, District 1
The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Mitch McConnell and the Republican-led Senate must wait until the next administration is sworn into office, whoever that may be, before considering a nominee to replace her.
— Rep. Diana DeGette (@RepDianaDeGette) September 19, 2020
Rep. Joe Neguse — Democrat, District 2
A tremendous and devastating loss for our country.
— Rep. Joe Neguse (@RepJoeNeguse) September 18, 2020
Rest In Peace to Justice Ginsburg, a true giant for civil rights, equality, and the rule of law.
May her memory be a blessing. https://t.co/XswxDmEPKO
Rep. Ken Buck — Republican, District 4
The country mourns a great jurist and trailblazer.
— Rep. Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) September 18, 2020
Rest In Peace Justice Ginsburg. Our prayers are with her family and loved ones.
Rep. Jason Crow — Democrat, District 6
Our nation lost one of our greatest heroes and public servants today. My heart breaks as our nation mourns. May Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Rest in Peace, and may our country find a path forward that honors her spirit of justice, equality, and dignity.
— Rep. Jason Crow (@RepJasonCrow) September 19, 2020
In a statement, Crow also addressed the possibility of a Senate confirmation battle ahead of the election. "Tonight, I called Senator Gardner urging him to honor his obligation to a power higher than rank partisanship. Senator Gardner must commit to the people of Colorado that he will not replace Justice Ginsberg until after inauguration and to play by the rules he created."
Rep. Ed Perlmutter — Democrat, District 7
The loss of Justice Ginsburg is indescribable. She was a force to reckon with whose legacy will live on in my daughters and granddaughters.
— Ed Perlmutter (@RepPerlmutter) September 19, 2020
Attorney General Phil Weiser
Weiser served as a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
"Our nation mourns the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an iconic leader, jurist, and role model. Justice Ginsburg changed my life, teaching me about equal justice under the law and what outstanding legal work looks like—an important life-long lesson. For millions around the world, her memory will continue to be a blessing.
Justice Ginsburg’s passing on the eve of the Jewish New Year adds further meaning to a time that calls out for healing and renewal. My heart aches for her family and the broader family of clerks and mentees who have lost a devoted teacher and inspiration. I will miss her deeply and will continue to work to meet her high expectations for justice and rigorous legal work."
Diane Mitsch Bush — Democratic candidate for Colorado District 3
Justice Ginsberg fought for justice until her very last breath. She secured freedoms for all Americans and wouldn’t stop until all of us were treated equally under the law. She will always be a shining example of what a public servant should be. May her memory be a blessing.
— Diane Mitsch Bush (@RepDMB) September 19, 2020
Lauren Boebert — Republican candidate for Colorado District 3
I pray the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, is present with RBG’s family, healing hearts and bringing peace. America stands with you tonight in your mourning.
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) September 19, 2020
NPR contributed to this report.
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