OBAMA’S STATEMENT: I WILL NOMINATE A SUCCESSOR ‘IN DUE TIME’

Excerpts of President Barack Obama’s statement Saturday on the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia: “For almost 30 years, Justice Antonin Nino Scalia was a larger than life presence on the bench. A brilliant legal mind with an energetic style— and incisive wit and colorful opinions. He influenced a generation of judges, lawyers and students and profoundly shaped the legal landscape. He will no doubt be remembered as one of the most consequential judges and thinkers to serve on the Supreme Court. ... “Obviously today is a time to remember Justice Scalia’s legacy. I plan to fulfill my constitutional responsibilities to nominate a successor in due time— and there will be plenty of time for me to do so, and for the Senate to fulfill its responsibility to give that person a fair hearing and a timely vote. These are responsibilities that I take seriously, as should everyone. They’re bigger than any one party. They are about our democracy. “And they’re about the institution to which Justice Scalia dedicated his professional life and making sure it continues to function as the beacon of justice that our founders envisioned. But at this moment, we most of all want to think about his family. And Michelle and I join the nation in sending our deepest sympathies to Justice Scalia’s wife, Maureen, and their loving family. A beautiful symbol of a life well lived. We thank them for sharing Justice Scalia with our country. God bless them all and God bless the United States of America.”