As news of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death swept across the nation Friday night, New England politicians were quick to react on social media, calling the Supreme Court Justice a "hero," a "legal giant" and "fearless trailblazer."
Ginsburg, who died Friday at her home in Washington of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer, is being remembered by local politicians as an American icon who made the country better in her tireless pursuit of justice for all.
Here's a look at what leaders across the region are saying:
Massachusetts
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh noted Ginsburg was "many things to the American people," calling her a "brilliant jurist. A fearless trailblazer. A tireless champion of justice and equality who exemplified grace and strength."
"She made this country a better place for all," Walsh said on Twitter. "May she rest in eternal peace. God bless RBG.
Gov. Charlie Baker said he was very sorry to hear of Ginsburg's death, calling her "a force of nature and a role model for so many women and all Americans."
Baker also said Ginsburg's friendship with the late Antonin Scalia "spoke volumes about her ability to separate the person from the politics."
"Her incredible career and life’s work bettered our nation and serve as an inspiration to us all," Baker wrote on Twitter. "Rest in peace, you will be missed."
Democratic Congressman Richard Neal echoed Walsh and Baker's thoughts, calling Ginsburg "a true trailblazer."
"Our country will forever be indebted to her and the inroads she made for every woman, young girl, and person in our great nation," Neal shared on Twitter.
Rep. Katherine Clark called Ginsburg a "hero for women and a hero for justice," saying she felt profoundly grateful for the 87-year-old's life and legacy.
Rep. Joe Kennedy III agreed, writing, "she gave everything she had to the cause of justice for all."
"Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the strongest forces this country has known," he said. "Grateful to the family and friends who shared her with us for a lifetime," he said. "Keeping them -- and this country -- in our prayers tonight."
Sen. Ed Markey called Ginsburg a pioneer in the fight for equal rights and a role model to young women across the country.
"She was brilliant and an advocate for freedom of speech, reproductive rights, & civil rights. She was the embodiment of true justice & what every jurist strives to become," he wrote on Twitter. "My thoughts now turn to her family & loved ones during this difficult time."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who referred to Ginsburg as "Ruthie," said she will miss her friend terribly.
"The t-shirts simply labeled “RBG” made her notorious. But it was her wit, her tenaciousness, and her skill as a jurist that made her an icon," Warren said of the justice's nickname.
"As a young mom heading off to Rutgers law school, I saw so few examples of female lawyers or law professors. But Ruthie blazed the trail. I’m forever grateful for her example — to me, and to millions of young women who saw her as a role model," Warren said on Twitter.
"Later, Ruthie’s groundbreaking work as a legal advocate for women led to a distinguished career as a federal judge and a Supreme Court Justice" she added. "Her lifelong dedication to fighting for justice for everyone, and her love for our nation, will be sorely missed."
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley called Ginsburg "a tireless and unapologetic champion for women, families, and our most vulnerable communities" throughout her life."
"While she was 5’1” in stature, she stood as a giant for justice and equality," Pressley said. "From her groundbreaking work to end legal discrimination on the basis of sex, to her trailblazing 27-year tenure on the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg played a central role in advancing critical ideals including pay equity, reproductive freedom, and LGBTQ+ rights. She was deliberate in her craft, and we are all better off because of her unwavering commitment to creating a more just world."
Congressman Bill Keating also referenced Ginsburg's short stature, saying, "This diminutive woman in height was truly a giant, a justice for the ages."
Keating said he was profoundly saddened by her death and noted how she bridged the gaps.
"She bridged the gap between young and old. She bridged the gap within the Court from discord to civility. For equality for women, equality for LGBTQ Americans, equality for us all - Justice Ginsburg set a standard for fairness and equal rights under the law," he said on Twitter.
Congressman Seth Moulton called RBG's death a profound loss for America, saying few people have been as impactful in advancing and protecting the rights of their fellow citizens.
"She never stopped fighting to better our nation, and in this dark era we should look to her legacy for hope," he wrote on Twitter.
Massachusetts House Speaker Bob DeLeo called Justice Ginsburg a visionary and legal leader whose influence on our country transcended the judiciary.
"As a litigator, she pioneered legal principles on human rights and gender equality that are part of the fabric of American society today. As a jurist, she worked to reinforce and protect those rights. Her passing represents a colossal loss for the United States Supreme Court and our country," he said in a tweet.
Congressman James McGovern, Chairman of the House Rules Committee, said he and his wife Lisa are "heartbroken."
"Justice Ginsburg was a trailblazer through and through. Her tenacity and intellect were unmatched. A true champion for women’s rights and equal justice," he wrote on Twitter. "This is a colossal loss for our country. May her memory guide us through the difficult days ahead."
Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka said she shares in the grief felt by those across the country following the "tragic loss" of Ginsburg.
"A mighty force for justice and equality, Ginsburg’s fighting spirit was an inspiration to me, as well as generations of women and girls everywhere," Spilka said in a statement. "She taught us to stand tall, raise our voices, and never to give up. Her legacy now lives on in all of us.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins released a statement Friday night in which she called Ginsburg "one of the most influential people of our lifetime."
"She drove the legal battle against gender-based discrimination and helped move our nation significantly forward. She has been called a liberal icon, but every American, regardless of their political beliefs, has Justice Ginsburg to thank for pushing our nation closer to fulfilling the promises our Constitution holds."
Rollins, a cancer survivor, said Ginsburg "was a groundbreaker who embodied the same courage in her private life as she did on the bench."
The DA also shared that she has found great hope and strength in Justice Ginsburg's multiple recoveries from cancers that threatened her throughout her time on the Supreme Court."
"Her strength was undeniable, her bravery and influence unmatched," Rollins said.
"I’m deeply grateful to Justice Ginsburg for her dedication to creating a more equal society. She represented the very best of what it means to serve. Her profound understanding of the law, her passion for this vital work, and her determination to achieve our nation’s unmet promises will impact us all for generations," Rollins added. "We have lost a national hero. Now the fight becomes even more urgent for those of us that remain. May her memory be a revolution."
Rep. Lori Trahan called RBG an "institution," saying her decisions on the Supreme Court "changed our nation for the better & have impacted each of us."
"She lived her life in service to the American people – never settling for anything less than full equality, freedom & justice under the law," she wrote on Twitter. "Justice Ginsburg will be sorely missed by her loved ones, her colleagues, and her fellow Americans. Rest in eternal power, RBG."
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey summed everything up, saying in a statement of her own, "What is there to say that hasn’t been already said about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg? This loss is devastating not just because a brilliant trailblazing woman is gone, but because of everything she represents. For so many Americans, she was their freedom personified.
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Original story here.