Arkansas lawmakers mourn the loss of United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
Governor Asa Hutchinson reflected on his personal experience with Scalia in an official statement released Saturday. Hutchinson called him a “stalwart conservative and an overall brilliant jurist.”
“Justice Antonin Scalia’s passing is a devastating blow to the country. He was a passionate defender of the Constitution, a stalwart conservative and an overall brilliant jurist. “I had the privilege of knowing Justice Scalia. His humor and love of life allowed everyone to see the human side of a great Jurist, and I particularly appreciate his fondness of duck hunting in Arkansas. “The United States is a better place having had Justice Scalia serve on its highest court and he will be missed, to say the least. Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time.” -Gov. Asa Hutchinson
US Senator John Boozman called Scalia’s influence in the Supreme Court as a “long lasting legacy.” Boozman said he was “well respected for his intellectualism, sharp wit, and his commitment to the pursuit of justice.”
“Justice Antonin Scalia was an admired defender of the Constitution. As a jurist he was well-respected for his intellectualism, sharp wit and his commitment to the pursuit of justice. His influence on the high court will be a long lasting legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with the Scalia family during this difficult time.” -Sen. John Boozman (R-AR)
79 year old Scalia was appointed by President Ronald Regan in 1986. Among those currently serving on the court, he had the longest tenure at 28 years.