Republican presidential candidate Gov. John Kasich called Antonin Scalia an “essential” force for conservatism in a statement following the Supreme Court Justice’s death on Saturday.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Justice Scalia and send my prayers out for his family in this difficult time. His death is a serious loss to our nation and the Court. He was an essential, principled force for conservative thought and is a model for others to follow. His dedication to the Constitution and love for and service to our country will be deeply missed.”
Scalia, 79, died of apparent natural causes at a Texas resort. Scalia was appointed to the Court by Ronald Reagan in 1986. Now the Republican appointee’s seat on the bench will be filled by President Barack Obama.