Gov. DeWine, Ohio leaders react to passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Many across the nation, including here in Ohio are mourning the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Ginsburg died at her home in Washington Friday at the age of 87, the court said.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine offered his condolences to Ginsburg's family and said she served with strength and dignity.

"I extend my deepest condolences to the family of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her work ethic, her devotion to the court, her own fight to break down barriers, her long friendship with Justice Antonin Scalia even though they were opposites philosophically, and her courageous fight against cancer stand as examples to all of us. She served with a strength and dignity that inspires us all. May her memory be a blessing," DeWine said.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor said America has lost a lodestar.

"Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg used her considerable talents to fight for equal protection under the law for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual identity, disability, or national origin. America has lost a jurist with a conscience, true consistent convictions, civility, a sense of humor and a love of the law. America has lost a lodestar," O'Connor said in a statement.

O'Connor said she is devastated by Ginsburg's passing.

Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes, D-Akron, said America is a better country because of Ginsburg's service on the Supreme Court.

"My heart breaks tonight, along with so many other Americans, as together we mourn the loss of a true American treasure. Justice Ginsburg has been an inspiration to me and to so many other women in the legal profession. She was a champion of equality and reproductive justice as she fought for ALL of us from the bench. She was a trailblazer, a real American hero, and we are a better country because she served on the High Court. Rest in peace, Notorious RBG," Sykes said.

Rep. Joyce Beatty said she is "absolutely devastated" by the loss of Ginsburg.

"A champion for gender equality and justice, Justice Ginsburg's legacy and decisions, not just on the Court, but her lifelong service to advancing equal rights for all people prior, will never be forgotten. As her colleagues said, 'Today we mourn, but with confidence, that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her-a tireless and resolute champion of justice," Beatty.

Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown released a statement on Twitter.

"I pray that the same force of principles to which Justice Ginsburg held herself will help guide the leaders of this country," Brown said.

"Justice Ginsburg shattered glass ceilings for women who haven't yet been born, and brought our country closer to living up to our founding ideals. Her intellect and passion and commitment to justice were simply unmatched," said Brown. "I pray that the same force of principles to which she held herself will help guide the leaders of this country. The American people deserve a voice in the momentous decision we now face and it was her dying wish, according to her family, that we wait for their choice to lead us to take office in January to confirm a new justice. We honor Justice Ginsburg best by fighting as hard as we can to preserve her legacy and ensure that women are in all places where decisions are being made."

Ohio Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko said it a statement, "America lost a fighter for equality and justice."

"America lost a fighter for equality and justice, a pioneer for women's rights and a staunch defender of our democracy. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is truly irreplaceable, but her legacy will live forever in the remarkable progress our country has achieved under her tenure. We must honor her memory by striving to make a more perfect union – and never settle for anything less. May she rest in peace.," Yuko said.

"I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was a brilliant lawyer and a pioneer in the legal profession as only the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court. She was respected by all who knew her and admired by so many as a trailblazer and a champion for equal rights. Her personal friendship and respect for colleagues across the ideological spectrum, including conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, serves as an example for all of us. Jane and I extend our condolences to her family and her colleagues on their loss," Sen. Rob Portman said.

This article was originally published by Fox 28 on September 18, 2020.