Demos Responds to Death of Associate Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia

Upon the death of Supreme Court Justic Antonin Scalia, Demos Counsel and Senior Advisor for Policy & Outreach Adam Lioz released the following statement:

 

"Antonin Scalia was a dedicated public servant, a sharp mind, and a talented writer.  Demos extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. 

 

"As our country mourns Justice Scalia’s passing, we must also turn to focus on the process of nominating a successor to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court. President Obama said in his recent State of the Union that he is focused on moving our nation towards a 'better politics.'  Now, in this critical moment, comes a tremendous opportunity. 

 

"Demos strongly encourages the President to nominate a candidate committed to strengthening our nation’s democracy. We need a justice who understands that the Constitution gives We the People the power to build a democracy in which every eligible citizen can exercise the freedom to vote; the size of a person’s wallet does not determine the strength of her voice; and wealthy interests cannot translate economic might directly into political power. 

 

"Additionally, the U.S. Senate must carry out its duty to the American people by conducting the confirmation process to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court without obstruction or delay. It is only through this unified process that the High Court can return to conducting the people’s business and begin to restore our pro-democracy Constitution."