- 09.18.2020
Great Falls Tribune: Ginsburg hailed as hero, trailblazer, inspiration by Montana officials
Comments from Montana officials about the death, and life, of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg began pouring in Friday night, with her being praised as a trailblazer who served as an inspiration to millions.
Ginsburg died Friday of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer, the court said. She was 87.
“Tonight this country mourns an icon. Justice Ginsburg was a trailblazer who devoted her entire life to equal justice,” Democratic Sen. Jon Tester said in an email. “May her memory be a blessing.”
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg speaks with author Jeffrey Rosen in December in Washington.
Republican Sen. Steve Daines offered comment as well.
“Justice Ginsburg lived an incredible life, full of historic accomplishments,” Daines said. “She was a courageous fighter in both the courtroom and in her longtime health battles. My deepest condolences to the family, friends and Americans mourning her passing.”
GOP Rep. Greg Gianforte posted a comment on Facebook.
“Our nation lost a trailblazing giant with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who served on our land’s highest court for nearly three decades,” he said. “Susan and I join Montanans in praying for Justice Ginsburg’s family, her colleagues, and our country.”
Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock called Ginsburg “a torch-bearer and a champion of justice and equality.”
“Justice Ginsburg’s peerless work spanned over half a century, and will continue to serve as an inspiration to so many attorneys, activists, and young women who look up to her as their hero, including my own daughters,” he said. “She devoted herself to safeguarding our democracy, keeping her watch on the bench until the very end of her life. My wife Lisa and I send our condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Bullock ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff Friday until the day of Ginsburg’s internment.
Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney said Ginsburg “was a trailblazer who spent her life fighting for equality and justice.”
“I’m devastated by the news of her passing, and at the incalculable loss of an American hero who has done so much to safeguard our fundamental human rights,” Cooney said in an email. “May we always strive to live up to the values and ideals she stood for and continue the fight to protect our democracy in her honor. May she rest in power.”
Robyn Driscoll, chair of the Montana Democratic Party, also praised Ginsburg.
“Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a visionary champion for justice, a fervent believer in the equal rights of all people, and a singular inspiration to millions,” Driscoll said. “A towering force for good, the scope of Justice Ginsburg’s impact on this nation is immeasurable.
“While we mourn her passing, we draw inspiration from her memory, and strive to build a Montana – and a nation – that lives up to her legacy and vision.”
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox posted a Tweet about Ginsburg.
“All Americans should give thanks for the life and legacy of United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” Fox, a Republican, wrote. “Thank you for your service to America and may you Rest In Peace …”
Raph Graybill, the governor’s chief legal counsel who is now running for attorney general, offered comment as well.
“We need more people like Ruth Bader Ginsberg in this world. Rest in peace,” he said.