Business, government leaders mourn death of Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg
Local leaders took to social media to celebrate the life and mourn the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg within minutes of the Friday night announcement of her death.
Condolences came quickly from the area’s two Congressional representatives.
Devastated to hear of the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was an American icon and pillar of justice, and we mourn her loss while celebrating the monumental legacy she leaves behind. May her fighting spirit inspire all of us to keep moving forward.
— Congressman Charlie Crist (@RepCharlieCrist) September 19, 2020
In this moment of sorrow and uncertainty, we must commit, even in loss, that #RBG’s work will inspire future generations towards a better, fairer tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/nBhTWEUgCL
— US Rep Kathy Castor (@USRepKCastor) September 19, 2020
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags flown at half-staff statewide.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and to her family and friends. I’m ordering flags throughout the state of Florida be lowered to half staff to honor her memory and recognize her lifetime of service to our great nation.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 19, 2020
“Ann and I send our thoughts and prayers to the family of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg during this time. She was a trailblazer with a distinguished record of service to her country,” Sen. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, tweeted Friday night.
“Even those who disagreed with many of her decisions recognize Justice Ginsburg was a woman of extraordinary intellect & an American who had a historic impact on the court & the nation. May she Rest In Peace,” Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida’s senior Republican senator, tweeted.
But the condolences quickly gave way to politics. Shortly after Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would push for a Senate vote on whomever President Trump nominates to replace Ginsburg, Scott said he would back that effort.
It would be irresponsible to allow an extended vacancy on the Supreme Court. I believe that President Trump’s nominee should get a vote in the U.S. Senate.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) September 19, 2020
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman joined the political fray.
I don’t expect @marcorubio, a man who prides himself on his convictions and his faith, to be a man of his word only when it’s politically convenient. He’s better than that, right? pic.twitter.com/Aw0oNxcn4Z
— Rick Kriseman (@Kriseman) September 19, 2020
Some local business leaders shared personal reflections, including Alison Barlow, executive director of the St. Petersburg Innovation District.
https://www.facebook.com/ali.barlow/posts/10158600426548077
A Facebook post from Jessica Rivelli, CEO and fonder of Working Women of Tampa Bay, summed up the feelings of many others.
https://www.facebook.com/jessica.rivelli/posts/10222061423232080
