State leaders pay tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg

Politicians and local leaders from across the state are mourning the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Here's what each leader has to say about the passing of the feminist icon.

North Carolina's Chief Justice Cheri Beasley spoke with WRAL in an interview about the passing of Ginsburg.

"Our country has lost a great jurist in Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg," Beasley said. "She was a trailblazer whose commitment to justice and equality was matched only by her principled protection of our constitution. My prayers are with her family as they grieve her loss and celebrate her legacy."

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Rev. William J. Barber II took to Twitter last night to celebrate the women's rights icon. He asked the question: "How do you mourn the loss of a great champion for justice like Ruth Bader Ginsburg?"

His statement said: "You mourn deeply and you vow to continue her work with even greater resolve. Her death must bring us to life."

He said her work should inspire everyone to vote.

"No one who loved her work on voting rights, women’s rights, or corporate responsibility can stay home and not vote. We must renew our resolve to fight as she fought."

"This might be the death that brings alive the full vote of this democracy, which could not only change the presidency but also the Senate," Barber said on Twitter. "This might bring waffling undecided voters off of the sidelines."

In the last part of his message, he said he had faith that people would stand up for their rights and "rise with power."

"If McConnell over reaches, I’m believing the people will over perform, and we could see an election like never before. [Ruth Bader Ginsburg] often quoted Justice Brandeis: 'The greatest menace to freedom is an inert people.' May she Rest In Peace. We must rise with power!"

US Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, referenced in Barber's message, was the first Jewish person to ever sit in the high court.

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U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy also paid tribute to Ginsburg in a statement. Murphy is a Republican who represents North Carolina's Third Congressional District. He is a former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from Pitt County.

“Tonight we mourn the loss of a longtime public servant, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I may not have agreed with some of her legal opinions, but her service to this country transcended politics. She broke barriers for many female public servants in this country, which cannot be emphasized enough. Her legal opinions reflected her deeply held convictions about the Constitution and federal law. Her death will be deeply mourned."

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Gov. Roy Cooper tweeted out a statement about the country's loss on Friday night.

U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, a Democrat representing the Charlotte area, paid her respects to Ginsburg in a statement.

“Ruth Bader Ginsberg was the conscience of the Court and one of the greatest fighters American women have ever had. Justice Ginsberg’s dissents spoke for people of conscience with a righteous anger and moral clarity that is too often missing from the public sphere.

“Her lifetime of advocacy for women and equality extended far beyond her service on the bench, and all Americans – not just women – owe her an incalculable debt for removing the foot of the patriarchy off our necks, allowing women to breathe free in a country that still does not always see us as equal.

“Though she is irreplaceable, Justice Ginsberg will have a successor. She would be the first person to say her successor should be a woman who believes, as she did, that 'women belong in all places where decisions are being made.'

“I am devastated by this loss, and my prayers are with not only her family, but every person who looked to her for inspiration and courage.”

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U.S. Republican Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis said that even though he disagreed with Ginsburg on fundamental issues he is still mourning her loss.

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U.S. Rep. David Price of North Carolina, a Democrat who represents North Carolina's 4th district, highlighted Ginsburg's final statement she left with her daughter and spoke out against rushing a Trump nominee.

“Before she served on America’s highest court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg charted her own path-breaking career as a spirited and persistent advocate for women’s rights,” said Congressman David Price. “Justice Ginsburg not only successfully challenged injustices for herself, but committed her career to ensuring a more equal future for every woman who came after her.

“On the bench, Justice Ginsburg led with brilliance, integrity, and fortitude. Justice Ginsburg also remained resilient while facing personal obstacles throughout her life such as caring for her seriously ill husband or battling cancer. As an exemplary public servant who looked out for the long-term health of the American people and our democracy, she leaves enormous shoes that won’t easily be filled.

“Justice Ginsburg left a final statement with her granddaughter: “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new President is installed.” Any senator with a shred of integrity must honor this wish, particularly in light of the Republican Senate’s refusal to schedule a vote for President Obama’s nominee Merrick Garland throughout 2016. To rush a Trump nominee to a Senate vote would not only be breathtaking hypocrisy; it could irreparably compromise and damage the Court.”

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U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, a Republican who represents North Carolina's 5th district, said he disagreed with Ginsburg on many issues but still respected her success.

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Justice Ginsburg. Throughout her life and career, Justice Ginsburg faced many challenges, but never let them serve as setbacks. She was a trailblazer and a tireless advocate for equality and opportunity for all Americans. While she and I may not have agreed on many policy issues, I know her unique voice will be greatly missed by her beloved family, her friends, and her colleagues on the Court.”

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