Among the state and local political leaders weighing in Friday on the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was Governor Andrew Cuomo. The New York Democrat said:
"New York's heart breaks with the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She was a daughter of Brooklyn and the embodiment of all that it means to be New York tough -- yet her life was a testament that tough does not preclude acting with respect, grace, and dignity. I know I speak for the entire family of New York when I say we are absolutely devastated by this loss.
"As an advocate, litigator, professor, and judge, Justice Ginsburg was an unparalleled voice for our better angels and a singular force for equality and justice throughout her extraordinary career. In an era when women like her were asked why they were 'taking the place of a man,' she fought tirelessly to ensure our country lived up to its founding ideals, especially for all those marginalized by the status quo -- from women and communities of color, to the disabled and the LGBTQ community,” Cuomo said.
Rep. Joe Morelle, the 25th District Democratic Congressman commented on Twitter, saying it was, “A profoundly sad day for America. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an icon — a passionate champion of women’s rights, a bold defender of justice, and a tireless fighter for equality. My heart goes out to the entire Ginsburg family. Her legacy will live on forever.”
Rep. Tom Reed, the 23rd District Republican Congressman on Twitter said “Justice Ginsburg served her country to the fullest extent as a devoted public servant for decades. She was a great American and great American story. May she rest in peace. Our heart goes out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley issued a statement, saying that “Our entire country has lost one of the most significant and impressive women in our nation’s history. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a role model to all of us in the legal profession and a remarkable legal jurist. Justice Ginsburg was a woman of integrity and held the highest respect for the rule of law. I offer my condolences to Justice Ginsburg’s family, friends and the entire country.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said that, “The world has lost a giant. A brilliant jurist, a resolute champion for justice and a trailblazer for women’s rights, Ruth Bader Ginsburg has left a legacy that will echo through history. Justice Ginsburg will forever be a feminist icon who inspired generations of young women--myself included--to follow their dreams, break through barriers and never let gender stand in the way. "
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that “Tonight, we mourn the passing of a giant in American history, a champion for justice, a trailblazer for women. She would want us all to fight as hard as we can to preserve her legacy.” Schumer also tweeted that, “The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello tweeted that, "Tonight we mourn the loss of an American icon. An unrelenting champion of equality and justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg dedicated her life to ensuring America lived up to its ideals, and her legacy will inspire generations to come. May her memory be a blessing."
Ginsburg was in the Finger Lakes in 2002 in Seneca Falls when she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.Other women inducted that year included entertainer Lucille Ball, former first lady Rosalynn Carter and Althea Gibson, the first black female tennis champion at Wimbledon.
